I'i
ill
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Class —10
Book
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O sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore that I may
ever love Thee more and more. — Indulgence
of 300 Days.
Mitb (3ob
a Book of
(praters anb IReflections
BY
IRev. Jf, |. Xasancc
author of " my prayer-book," " the young
man's guide," "the catholic girl's
guide," etc.
New York, Cincinnati, Chicago
P Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
191 1
II
Remy Lafort,
Censor Lihro^mm.
imprimatur*
^ JOHN M. FARLEY,
Archbishop of New York.
New York, June 7, 1911.
Copyright, 1911, by Benzigeb Brothers.
©CU300756
Untto&uction
To PRAY means to commune with God — to con-
verse with God. This is why we have chosen for the
present work the main title, ''With God."
Discussing the question: Is Mental Prayer Easy^
a spiritual writer says :
"In order to pray with fruit and without distraction
it is very useful and in most cases necessary to spend
some time in meditation or pious thought on some
definite subject, and from this fact, as before stated,
the whole exercise is often called mieditation. instead
of mental prayer. This often misleads people into
imagining that meditation, that is, the use of the
intellect in thinking on a holy subject, is the main
end to be aimed at, whereas in fact it is only a means
to the end, which is prayer or conversation with God.
Meditation furnishes us with the matter for conversa-
tion, but it is not itself prayer at all. When thinking
and reflecting the soul speaks to itself, reasons with
itself; in prayer it speaks to God.''
Our sub-title reads: Book of Prayers and
Reflections," and accurately describes the purpose
of this work, which is to aid not any particular class,
but the faithful in general, in those precious hours
when they turn away from the distracting occupa-
tions and pleasures of life to give attention to " the
one thing necessary," their one real business here
below, the salvation of their immortal souls, by re-
flecting on the eternal truths, by uplifting their hearts
to heaven and communing with God in prayer, so as
to secure His grace now, and eventually that ever-
5
6
Introduction
lasting and inexpressibly blissful union with Him
which He has promised to those who love and serve
Him faithfully to the end. ''What doth it profit a
man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of
his own soul ? Or what exchange shall a man give
for his soul ? For the Son of man shall come in the
glory of His Father with His angels : and then will He
render to every man according to his works" (Matt,
xvi. 26, 27).
''In prayer we speak with God," says St. Anselm ;
how attentively and reverentially should we converse
with the Lord of lords, the King of kings ; how humbly
and gratefully with our supreme Benefactor ; how
trustfully with our best Friend !
Prayer is truly a conversation between God. and the
soul ; in prayer we address ourselves to God and He,
our Heavenly Father, in His love and kindness speaks
to us ; in prayer the soul breathes the atmosphere of
paradise, and by its union with God and its elevation
to heavenly contemplation, it enjoys a foretaste of
the happiness of the Saints in the celestial Eden.
What greater joy can earth afford
Than holding converse with Our Lord?
A pledge of life to come is this,
A foretaste here of future bliss.
The Royal Psalmist says : "The Lord is nigh to all
them that call upon Him in truth ; He will do the will
of them that fear Him ; He will hear their prayer and
save them" (Ps. cxliv. 18, 19).
"Prayer," says Hettinger, "is the bridge between
this life and the life to come, upon which the Creator
and the creature meet."
St. Augustine calls prayer "the key of heaven."
Pere de Ravignan, S.J., constantly urged those who
Introduction
7
came under his influence to pray constantly; ^^for
prayer," he said, "is the strength which saves, the
courage which perseveres, the mystic bridge thrown
over the abyss, which joins the soul to God."
"More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of." — Tennyson.
This book of prayer might also be called "Manna
of the Soul," inasmuch as it is the result of at least
a conscientious effort to furnish devout souls with sub-
stantial spiritual nutriment in such abundance and
variety as to satisfy all reasonable demands, but
without any highly-seasoned condiment or sauce of
mawkish sentiment.
There are devotions and devotions. In regard to
this we read in one of the Sacred Heart League
Leaflets,^ entitled Points for Promoters:
''Are we drifting away from our moorings? Is it
true that we are abandoning time-honored Catholic
customs and practices? Are the good old devotions
disappearing, the solid and enduring ones that in-
spired the faithful for ages, to make way for a new-
fangled piety more emotional than substantial ?
What has become of St. Joseph ?
"Even to St. Joseph there are devotions and de-
votions, some of them sensible, a number of them
not very sensible, and it is no wonder, nor any loss,
if the latter have disappeared as they should ; only
it is a pity that those who have never practised solid
devotion to the saint should be deprived of it utterly
in every form when they grow out of the puerile and
sometimes unreasonable practices they were taught to
follow in his honor.
"There is no need of specifying any of these prac-
1 March, 1907.
8
Introduction
tices here. It is rarely wise to condemn any form of
devotion, unless it is clearly superstitious or dangerous
in tendency. There are all sorts of souls, and what
may seem superficial or frivolous to one may be deep
or serious enough for another. It may sound smart
to condemn or disparage certain devotions ; but no
prudent or reverent person will ever do so, simply
because modesty will prevent him from asserting his
views or preferences, while due regard for others will
make him not only tolerate, but respect what they
choose to do."
Doubtless the best prayers are contained in the
liturgy of the Church, and our favorite devotions are
certainly commendable if they bear the stamp of the
Church's approval. To our pious readers we com-
mend the careful perusal of the chapter Devotion
and Devotions (page 63). In the present work,
''With God," two methods of assisting at Mass
are mainly from the Roman Missal ; another method
is made up entirely of Indulgenced Prayers. There
is, indeed, in this little volume, so large a collec-
tion of indulgenced prayers, of prayers approved
by the Church, forming not only a separate section,
but running like a chain through all the various de-
votions, that it might well be entitled a "Book of
Indulgenced Prayers." We call particular attention
to this fact because it distinguishes the present
work from others of its class, and constitutes a
worthy reason for its appearance.
The careful reader will also observe that all through
the book we have laid such stress upon "devotion
to the holy souls in purgatory" and intertwined so
many prayers and ejaculations for their relief that it
is worthy of being called '' Holy Souls' Book."
Introduction
9
"Take we up the touching burden of November
plaints,
Pleading for the holy souls, God's yet uncrowned
saints.
Still unpaid to our departed is the debt we owe ;
Still unransomed, some are pining, sore oppressed
with woe.
Friends we loved and vowed to cherish call us in
their need :
Prove we now our love was real, true in word and
deed.
^Rest eternal grant them, Lord I' full often let us
pray —
Requiem ceternam dona eis, Domine!^'
— From Forget-Mc-Xots from Many Gardens.
Another point that merits the consideration of
critical readers is this, that the book contains most
of the latest additions to ''The Raccolta" ^ sanctioned
by the present illustrious and saintly ruler of the
Church, Pius X. Furthermore, it has been our aim
to make ''With God" a Vade Mecum for those who
assist at Mass and receive holy communion daily or
frequently, and to equip the same so lavishly with
Eucharistic devotions as to make it a very pleasing
and helpful Companion for Visits to Jesus in the
Tabernacle, and in particular for the Holy Hour or
the Hour of Adoration; it is, therefore, a Book for
Frequent Communicants and for Fervent Adorers of
the Blessed Sacrament. '' With God," we trust, will
also prove acceptable to the members of the Holy Name
Society and to all who zealously venerate and render
special honor to the ]Most Holy Xame of Jesus. The
1 iQio edition of " The Raccolta " b\' Rev. Ambrose St. John,
of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, Birmingham.
lO
Introduction
Little Office of the Holy Name, besides many prayers,
devotions, psalms, hymns, and the latest indulgenced
invocations and ejaculations in honor of the Most
Holy Name, have been incorporated in this book ;
hence it may not inaptly be called Book of the Holy
Name."
Nor have we failed in this little book of prayer to
do what we have loved to do in all our previous works,
viz., to inculcate and urge upon pious souls the frequent
use of indulgenced ejaculations and invocations. St.
Philip Neri says: ''It is an old custom with the ser-
vants of God always to have some little prayers ready,
and to be darting them up to heaven frequently dur-
ing the day, lifting their minds to God out of the filth
of this world. He who adopts this plan will get great
fruit with little pains." ^ St. Francis de Sales and St.
Thomas Aquinas often made use of ejaculatory
prayers. Every time that St. Ignatius heard the
clock strike, he recollected himself and elevated his
heart to God. St. Vincent de Paul observed the same
pious practice . ' ' With God " aims to foster meditation ,
or mental prayer, as well as vocal prayer ; it is a Book
of Devout Reflections; it contains a little Treasury of
Winged Thoughts from Holy Writ and other sacred
sources — thoughts which we may make our own by
earnest and devout reflection — thoughts which, in
critical moments of trial and temptation, will serve to
fortify us against the allurements of the devil, the
world, and the flesh, and to stimulate us, in the scorn
of consequence, at all times to do what is right, and
to walk unfalteringly in the way of salvation.
We beg our pious readers not to slur over or utterly
disregard the introductory chapters on Vocal Prayer ,
1 For many of the indulgenced prayers and devotions in this
book we are indebted to The New Raccolta."
Introduction
II
i Meditation, Ejaculatory, and Continual Prayer.
' These are subjects of vast importance in the spiritual
life, and we made at least an honest effort to treat them
in a practical, succinct, and comprehensive manner.
These Introductory Reflections form a distinctive
feature of this book of prayer ; they are calculated, by
the help of divine grace, to instruct and enlighten the
faithful with regard to the different kinds of prayer,
so that from a better understanding and a deeper
appreciation of the necessity, value, and efficacy of
prayer, they may be led to a more perfect, a more
practical, a more continual, a more fervent and fruit-
ful use of this great gift by means of which we raise
our souls to God, and enjoy a sweet communion with
our heavenly Father.
Father de Ravignan, S.J., in one of his famous
exhortations, says :
'^Believe me, my dear friends, believe an experience
ripened by thirty years in the sacred ministry. I
do here afffrm that all deceptions, all spiritual de-
ficiencies, all miseries, all falls, all faults, and even
the most serious w^anderings out of the right path,
all proceed from this single source — a want of con-
stancy in prayer. Live the life of prayer ; learn to
bring everything, to change everything into prayer —
pains and trials and temptations of all kinds.
Pray in the calm, pray in the storm.
Pray on awaking, and pray during the daytime.
Going and coming, pray.
" Tired out and distracted, pray.
" Whatsoever your repugnance may be, pray.
Pray, that you may learn to pray.
^ Teach us, 0 Lord, how to pray.^
''^But I can not pray.' That is heresy. Yes, you
can always pray. If you feel a disgust, nay, a horror
12
Introduction
of prayer, pray on, pray in spite of yourself, against
yourself. Beg for the courage in prayer which our
agonizing Saviour merited for you by His pangs in
Gethsemani and upon Calvary. Pray, for prayer
is our salvation."
Most reverently we dedicate this little work to Our
Lady of the Most Btessed Sacrament, with the prayer
that our august Queen and tender Mother may inflame
the hearts of our readers with a greater love of Jesus
in the Sacrament of His love, and that in prayer,
especially before the Tabernacle, they may enjoy
even on earth the presence of God, and through
prayer, may by His grace be received into the heavenly
kingdom where the Saints dwell in the fulness of joy
eternally '^with God."
Francis X. Lasance.
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Feast of Corpus Christi, 1910.
Contents
PAGE
Introduction 5
Table of Movable Feasts 30
Table of Feasts of Obligation .... 31
Fasting-days of Obligation . . 32
Some Movable Feasts of Special Devotion. ... 32
The Calendar 34
Sanctify the Day 48
Sanctify the Week 57
Sanctify the Month. 59
Gems of the Months 61
Hymn 62
Devotion and Devotions 63
Introductory Reflections 80
1. — On Prayer. — Vocal Prayer in Partic-
ular 80
2. — Vocal Prayer as Distinct from Mental
Prayer 98
Ejaculations. — Indulgenced Prayers ... 98
Necessity of Prayer loi
What Are the Graces We Should
Pray for, and for Whom Should We
Pray ? 102
13
14 Contents
PAGE
3. — Mental Prayer or Meditation 107
Raise Your Heart to God 107
4. — How to Practise Mental Prayer 116
Prayers for Meditation 123
Act of the Divine Presence 123
Prayer 1 24
Offering of the Resolutions. 124
5. — Ejaculatory Prayers 124
6. — The Apostleship of Prayer 125
Morning Offering of the Apostleship of
Prayer 127
7. — Continual Prayer 131
In Secret 134
''What Doth It Profit 134
''Take up Thy Cross" 135
Confidence 135
All for Thee, O Heart of Jesus 136
ilHnrnmg PragEts
Aspirations 137
Act of Adoration 137
Act of Thanksgiving 137
Act of Faith 137
Act of Hope 137
Act of Love 138
Act of Supplication 138
Act of Contrition 138
Act of Consecration 138
Offering 138
Ejaculations 139
Indulgenced Versicles on Behalf of the Holy
Souls in Purgatory 140
Contents 15
PAGE
Act of Adoration 141
Act of Contrition 142
Act of Love 142
Ejaculations 142
The Memorare 143
Prayer for Benefactors 144
Ejaculations 144
A Night Prayer by St. x\lphonsus Liguori 145
The De Profundis for the Souls of the Faithful
Departed 145
Prayer 147
Pragcrs tiuring \\}z IBag
Grace before Meals 147
Grace after Meals 147
Act of Faith 148
Act of Hope 148
Act of Love 148
The Angelus 148
Regina Cceli 149
Salve Regina 151
Sub Tuu7?t Pvcesidium 152
The Lord's Prayer . 153
The Hail Mary 153
The Apostles' Creed 153
Prayer to the Holy Ghost . 154
Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas 155
Indulgence for Reading the Holy Gospel 1 56
St. Teresa's Book-Mark _ . 156
1 6 Contents
PAGE
Prayer before Any Good Work 1 56
Acts of the Three Theological Virtues 157
C|}t J^olg Sacrifice nf tlje ilfflass
The Four Great Ends of Mass 160
The Ordinary of the Mass 161
Prayers after Mass 213
Masses for the Dead 214
Mass of All Souls' Day 216
The Dies Irce 218
Mass on the Day of Death or Burial of One
of the Faithful 225
Mass on the Anniversary of the Day of
Death 230
The Common or Daily Mass for the Dead . . 232
Various Prayers for the Dead 240
The Absolution 251
The De Profundis. 255
Indulgenced Prayers for the Faithful
Departed 256
Prayers for Nine or Seven Days 258
Prayers for Month of November. 259
Prayers in Commemoration of the Passion of
Our Lord . 259
Versicles and Responses for the Dead 261
All Souls' Day 261
The Heroic Act. 262
Aspirations 263
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus . 266
Mode of Assisting at Mass by Means of
Indulgenced Prayers 289
Contents 17
PAGE
Mass in Honor of the Blessed Virgin AIary 331
Mass for Communion Days 356
Indulgexced Prayer after Holy Commu-
nion TO Jesus Crucified 371
Thanksgiving of St. Thomas Aquinas 372
'' Jesus, Gentle Saviour" 372
Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians 373
Marriage Service and Mass 374
Brbottons for Confession
Before Confession 382
Examination of Conscience 384
After the Examination 389
Considerations to Excite True Contrition 389
An Act of Contrition 391
Thanksgiving after Confession 395
The Sev^en Penitential Psalms 398
Befaotions for f^olg CTommunion
The Venerable Pere Eymard on Holy Com-
munion 415
Short Acts and Prayers before Holy
Communion 419
After Holy Communion 422
Another Exercise of Devotion for Holy
Communion 434
Petitions to St. Augustine , 447
1 8 Contents
PAGE
Reflections after Communion 448
Litany for Holy Communion 450
Peace with Jesus 453
Bmetiiction of t{}e Blejsgeli Sacrament
Prayers at Benediction 454
0 Salutaris Hostia 455
Tantum Ergo Sacr amentum 455
An Act of Reparation for Profane Language .... 457
Te Deum Laudamus 458
2Cf)e Stations of tf)e Crosg;
Preparatory Prayer 462
Prayers before and after Each Station 463 j
Stahat Mater 475
iLitanies
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus 479
Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 482
Litany of the Blessed Virgin 484
Litany of St. Joseph. , 487
Litany of the Saints 489
Litany of the Blessed Sacrament .... 496
Litany of the Passion 500
Litany of the Most Holy Trinity 504
Litany of the Holy Ghost 507
Litany of the Love of God 509
Contents 19
Seb0ti0n0 to tfje fHost ?^0lg STrinftg, ©ne (Snti
PAGE
The Sign of the Cross 512
The Canticle of the Seraphim 513
Prayer for Sunday to the Blessed Trinity 513
Aspiration 514
Hymn and Sequence of the Holy Ghost 515
Novena to the Holy Ghost 519
Prayer for the Feast of Pentecost 520
Prayer to the Holy Spirit for the Church 521
Short Indulgenced Prayer to the Holy Ghost ... 521
Prayers for Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and
the Hour of Adoration 522
The Venerable Peter Julian Eymard 523
St. Paschal Baylon, Patron Saint of Eucharistic
Works 523
Offering of the Holy Hour 524
God's Love for Us 524
"Forget Ale Not" 525
Prayer for a Visit to the Blessed Sacrament. . . 526
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori 527
A Prayer for the Holy Hour 529
Litany of Blessed JuHa Billiart 529
Prayers to Blessed Madeleine Sophie Barat. . . . 531
20 Contents
PAGE
Petitions of St. Augustine 531
Eucharistic Hymn of St. Thomas Aquinas. . . . 533
The Crown or Chaplet of the Blessed Sacrament 534
Three Final Aspirations 539
Pious Ejaculations 539
Acts in the Presence of the Blessed Sacra-
ment 540
Indulgenced Acts of Devotion in Honor of the
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus 545
The Eucharistic Rosary 547
Bebotfott to tfie J^olg Name of Sestis
The Holy Name Society in America 558
Worship of the Holy Name 569
Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus. . 573
Indulgences Granted for Invoking the Holy
Name of Jesus 574
Devotion to the Holy Name 574
Prayer to Jesus Our Redeemer, for Blasphemy. 575
Thirty-three Petitions in Honor of the Sacred
Humanity of Our Lord Jesus Christ 576
Prayer in Honor of the Most Holy Name of
Jesus . . , : 577
Prayer, Divine Jesus " 578
Little Office of the Holy Name 579
Hymns and Psalms in Honor of the Holy Name 586
The Divine Praises 596
Act of Reparation to the Most Holy Name .... 597
Aspirations to the Holy Name in Reparation for
Blasphemies 598
The Psalter of Jesus 601
Aspiration to Jesus, My Friend 609
Contents 21
PAGE
To the Holy Name of Jesus 610
A Daily Oblation to Jesus 611
All for Jesus 611
Devotion to the Holy Xame of Jesus 612
A Prayer for Priests 613
To the Most Sweet Xame of Jesus 613
Prayers to St. Dominic 614
Fan'ous Dcbotfons
St. Teresa's Book-Mark 615
Prayer for Fervor 616
Prayer for Greater Lov^e to Jesus 616
Prayer to Jesus for a Holy Life and a Happy
Death 616
Prayer in Honor of the Passion and Death
OF Our Saviour 617
Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood 618
Invocations, Ejaculations, and Offerings 619
]MoNTH of June 620
Acts of Homage to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus 621
Acts of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus 626
Novena of the Sacred Heart 631
Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart 632
Daily Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart .... 634
Ejaculations 634
Prayer to St. Joachim 638
Indulgenced Acts of Adoration and Thanksgiving 638
Act of Reparation in Honor of the Blessed
sacila.ment 642
Spiritual Communion 644
Short Acts for a Spiritual Communion 645
22 Contents
PAGE
Indulgenced Acts in Honor of the Blessed Sacra-
ment 647
Prayers to the Holy Ghost for Visits to the
Blessed Sacrament and for Communion. . 648
Petitions to Jesus in the Tabernacle , 654
Petitions to the Holy Souls in Purgatory 656
Prayer to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist 656
Indulgenced Acts of Reverence toward the
Blessed Sacrament 657
Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
for the First Friday 658
Act of Consecration and Reparation to the Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus 660
Prayer for the Propagation of Faith and Piety 662
Indulgenced Chaplet of the Sacred Heart 663
Short Act of Consecration to Jesus and Mary. . 665
Prayer for a Visit to Jesus : . . 666
Form of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus 666
Prayer: ''O Most Compassionate Jesus" 667
Ejaculation 668
Hymn to the Sacred Heart 668
Alone with God 669
Christmas Day 670
Novena for Christmas 671
Prayer for Christmas 671
Prayer before the Crib 672
Versicles, Responses, and Prayers for Christ-
mas 673
Christmas Hymns 674
Easter 677
Novena for Easter 677
To the Glorious Wounds of Jesus Risen 677
Easter Hymns 678
Contents 23
ffie&ati0n0 to tf}e Bksseti Firgm iWarg
PAGE
Dedication to Mary 682
Three Offerings in Honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mary 683
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori to Mary 683
Dedication of St. Aloysius to Our Lady 684
No VENA TO Our Lady of Perpetual Help ... 685
Prayers to Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel . . . 685
Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Divine Provi-
dence 687
Ejaculations 688
Chaplet in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows 689
Novena in Honor of the Immaculate Conception 691
Hymn : Tola Pulchra Es'' 691
Pious Exercise in Honor of Our Lady of Dolors 693
Prayer and Consecration to Our Lady of Per-
petual Help 694
Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Confidence . . . 694
Prayer to Our Lady of Light 695
Hymn: Ave Maris Stella 695
Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows 696
Novena in Honor of the Seven Dolors of the
Blessed Virgin Mary 696
Invocation 697
Ejaculation 697
Anthem, Versicle, and Prayer in Honor of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary 698
Indulgenced Acts of Consecration to the Blessed
Virgin Mary 699
The Four Great Anthems of the Blessed
Virgin Mary 700
24
Contents
The October Rosary
The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
Prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary
Little Office of the Immaculate Concep-
tion
The Thirty Days' Prayer to the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Month of May Devotions
Prayer for the Month of May
Prayer to the Mother of the Incarnate Word . .
Ejaculation
Prayer to Mary for a Good Death
Eleven Novenas in Honor of Mary
Novena to Mary for Any Occasion
Ejaculations
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Reparation for Blasphemy against Mary
Dedication to Our Lady
Aspirations, Invocations, and Ejaculations to
Mary
The Month of September
A Visit to Our Lady of Sorrows
Prayers in Honor of the Joys and Sorrows of
Mary
Seven Sundays in Honor of the Immaculate
Conception
Antiphon, Versicle, and Prayer in Honor of the
Immaculate Conception
Prayer of St. Alphonsus for Purity
Ejaculations in Honor of the Immaculate Con-
ception
The Magnificat
Prayer to Our Lady, Help of Christians
Indulgenced Prayers
Contents 2 5
PAGE
Pious Exercise on Fridays 740
Devotion to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament 740
Prayer to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament . . 741
Debfltfons to St, Soscpi^
NovENA IN Honor of St. Joseph 744
Prayers to St. Joseph for the October Devotions . 745
Ejaculation and Prayer to St. Joseph 747
Prayer in Honor of St. Joseph for the Agonizing . 748
March Devotions 748
Prayer for a Novena to St. Joseph 748
' Act of Consecration to St. Joseph 749
I t Prayer to St. Joseph for x\ll Who Labor 750
Invocations to St. Joseph 751
Prayer to St. Joseph in Any Great Ne-
cessity 751
Indulgenced Prayer to St. Joseph 752
ijl Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of the Uni-
VERSAL Church 752
Uariou0 ®t{}er iB£bflti0n0
i Prayer for Divine Direction in the Choice
|i OF A State of Life 7 53
Prayers for Travelers 754
Prayers for the Church and for Civil Au-
I THORiTiES 756
I Temperance Pledge 757
! Prayer for the Sovereign Pontiff 758
A Plenary Indulgence at the Hour of
Death 758
Prayer for Certain AfSicted Persons 759
My Elect Shall Not Labor in Vain " 759
26 Contents
PAGE
A Universal Prayer 760
No vena and Prayers to Angel Guardian 761
Prayer to the Archangel Michael 762
Prayer to the Archangel Raphael 762
Prayer to the Archangel Gabriel . . . 763
Prayers to St. Anne 763
Indulgenced Prayer to St. Joachim 764
No vena of Grace in Honor of St. Francis Xavier,
i\postle of the Indies 764
Prayer of St. Francis Xavier for the Conversion
of the Infidels 766
Another Prayer to St. Francis Xavier 766
St. Francis Xavier's Hymn of Love 767
The Need of the Sacred Heart 768
Da Mihi Animas 769
St. Teresa, Virgin 769
St. Agnes, V^irgin Martyr 770
St. John Berchmans 771
Devout Exercise of the Six Sundays in Honor of
St. Aloysius Gonzaga 772
Prayer to St. Aloysius 772
Prayer to St. Stanislaus Kostka 773
Aspirations to St. Anthony of Padua 774
Indulgenced Responsory in Honor of S t . Anthony 775
Prayers to St. iVnthony of Padua 777
Devotions to St. Francis Assisi ' 778
Prayer in Honor of the Stigmata of St. Francis
Assisi 779
Prayer for Feast of St. Francis 779
No vena to St. Francis 779
Invocation to St. Thomas Aquinas 780
Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas 781
Novena in Honor of St. Philomena 781
Prayer for Novena in Honor of St. Philomena . 785
Contents 27
EntiuIgencttJ Pragets
PAGE
What is an Indulgence ? 787
The Use of Indulgenced Prayers 788
IXDULGENCED EJACULATIONS AND Pr.\YERS .... 79O
The Glory be to the Father 790
The Sign of the Cross 791
Thanksgiving on Xew Year's Eve 791
Invocations in Honor of the Holy Trinity. . . . 791
Prayer to the Holy Trinity 792
Prayer for Peace 792
An Offering 793
Prayer for Fidelity and Conformity to the
Divine WiU 793
Prayer for the Supreme Pontiff 793
Act of Resignation to the Will of God 794
Ejaculations . 795
Prayer for the Church 795
Prayer for the Propagation of the Faith .... ... 796
Veni, Sancte Spiritus 796
Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit 797
Acts of the Three Theological Virtues 797
Devotion and Invocation to the Holy Name . . . 798
Prayer : " 0 Most Compassionate Jesus " 798
Prayer for the Love of God 799
Prayer in Honor of the Holy Family 799
Ejaculation of St. Jerome Emiliani 799
Ejaculations 800
Prayer for the Conversion of Sinners 800
Prayer to Jesus in the Tabernacle 801
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament 801
Ejaculation 801
Act of Adoration while Passing a Church 802
28 Contents
PAGE
Ejaculation of Praise and Thanksgiving 802
Novena for Corpus Christi 802
Prayer for the Increase of Daily Commu-
nion 803
Prayer to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament . . . 804
Prayers during a Procession of the Blessed
Sacrament 804
Ejaculation at the Elevation and during the
Exposition 805
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament during the
Forty Hours' Devotion 805
Act of Reparation and Ejaculations for a Visit . . 807
Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood 809
Oblation in Thanksgiving in Honor of the Pre-
cious Blood 811
Indulgenced Prayer for a Christian Family 812
A Prayer to the Holy Family 813
Litany and Other Prayers for a Happy
Death 814
Prayer for the Faithful in Their Agony 819
Prayer for a Happy Death 820
To Jesus 820
To Mary 821
Ejaculations in Preparation for a Good Death 821
Confidence in God 821
Conformity to God's Will 822
Ejaculation of Resignation to the Will of God . 823
Prayer for Grace to do the Will of God 823
Desire of Paradise 823
On Kissing the Crucifix 824
Ejaculation of Blessed Margaret Mary 824
Ejaculation to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. . 825
Hymn for the Confraternity of the Bona Mors. 825
Prayer for a Sick Person 826
Contents 29
PAGE
Prayer for a Deceased Person 827
Indulgenced Prayer to the Sacred Heart 828
A Rule of Life 829
The Art of Beixg Happy 832
Happiness : How to Secure It 840
Flashlights from Holy Writ 847 ^
"When the Journey of Life is O'er" 861
Just for To-Day" 862
One Little Secret of a Happy Life 863
Jesu Decus Angelicum " 863
Lead, Kindly Light " 864
" Angels " . . -' 865
" Guardian Angel " 865
" 0 Paradise I O Paradise I " 866
" Holy God, We Praise Thy Name " 867
Reflections 868
With God 870
Index 899
Uable of /iDovable jf easts
Year
of
Our
Lord
Ash-
Wednes-
day.
Easter-
Sunday.
Ascen-
sion Day
Whit-
Sunday.
Corpus
Christi.
First
Sunday
of Ad-
vent.
IQII
March
I
April
16
May 25
June 4
June 15
Dec. 3
I912
r eb.
21
April
7
May 16
May 26
June 6
Dec. I
1913
Feb.
5
March 23
May I
May II
May 22
Nov. 30
I914
Feb.
25
April
12
May 21
May 31
June II
Nov. 29
igi5
Feb.
17
April
4
May 13
May 23
June 3
Nov. 28
IQ16
March
8
April
23
June I
June II
June 22
Dec. 3
1917
Feb.
21
April
8
May 17
May 27
June 7
Dec. 2
1918
Feb.
13
March
31
May 9
May 19
May 30
Dec. I
1919
March
5
April
20
May 29
June 8
June 19
Nov. 30
1920
Feb.
18
April
4
May 13
May 23
June 3
Nov. 28
1921
Feb.
9
March 27
May 5
May 15
May 26
Nov. 27
1922
March
I
April
16
May 25
June 4
June 15
Dec. 3
1923
Feb.
14
April
I
May 10
May 20
May 31
Dec. 2
1924
March
5
April
20
May 29
June 8
June 19
Nov. 30
1925
Feb.
25
April
12
May 21
May 31
June II
Nov. 29
1926
Feb.
17
April
4
May 13
May 23
June 3
Nov. 28
1927
March
2
April
17
May 26
June 5
June 16
Nov. 27
1928
Feb.
22
April
8
May 17
May 27
June 7
Dec. 2
1929
Feb.
13
March 31
May 9
May 19
May 30
Dec. I
1930
March
5
April
20
May 29
June 8
June 19
Nov. 30
IQ31
Feb.
18
April
5
May 14
May 24
June 4
Nov. 29
1932
Feb.
10
March
27
May 5
May 15
May 26
Nov. 27
IQ33
March
I
April
16
May 25
June 4
June 15
Dec. 3
Feb.
14
April
I
May 10
May 20
May 31
Dec. 2
1935
March
6
April
21
May 30
June 9
June 20
Dec. I
Feb.
26
April
12
May 21
May 31
Nov. 29
1937
Feb.
10
March
28
May 6
May 16
May 27
Nov! 28
1938
March
2
April
17
May 26
June 5
June 16
Nov. 27
1939
Feb.
22
April
9
May 18
May 28
June 8
Dec. 3
1940
Feb.
7
March
24
May 2
May 12
May 23
Dec. I
1941
Feb.
26
April
13
May 22
June I
June 12
Nov. 30
1942
Feb.
18
April
5
May 14
May 24
June 4
Nov. 29
1943
March
10
April
25
June 3
June 13
June 24
Nov. 28
1944
Feb.
23
April
9
May 18
May 28
June 8
Dec. 3
1945
Feb.
14
April
I
May 10
May 20
May 31
Dec. 2
1946
March
6
April
21
May 30
June 9
June 20
Dec. I
1947
Feb.
19
April
6
May 15
May 25
June 5
Nov. 30
30
OF THE Feasts observed by Catholics in the
United States, with Obligation of hearing jMass
AND abstaining FROM SeRVILE WoRK.
ALL THE SUNDAYS OF THE YEAR
January
I . The Circumcision
of Our Lord, or New
Year's Day.
August
1 5 . The Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
November
All Saints' Day.
December
8. The Immaculate
Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
25. The Nativity of
Our Lord, or Christ-
mas Day.
Also Ascension Day, or the Thursday forty
days after Easter.
31
1. The Fridays of Advent. (Not in all
Provinces.)
2. Every Day IN Lent ; except Sundays.
3. The Four Ember-Days, viz., the
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following — ■
(i) the first Sunday in Lent ; (2) Whitsunday ;
(3) the fourteenth day of September; and
(4) the third Sunday of Advent.
4. The Vigils of Whitsunday, of the
Assumption, of All Saints, and of Christmas,
Some /IDo\?able jfeasts of Special
H)e\?otion
Holy Name oe Jesus
Passion of Our Lord
Holy Crown of
Thorns
Spear and Nails
Five Wounds
Most Precious
Blood
Second Sunday after
Epiphany.
Friday after Quinqua-
gesima.
Friday after First
Sunday in Lent.
Friday after Second
Sunday in Lent.
Friday after Third
Sunday in Lent.
Friday after Fourth
Sunday in Lent, i
32
Movable Feasts of Special Devotion
33
Seven Sorrows of
THE Blessed Vir-
gin Mary
Patronage of St. Jo-
seph
Corpus Christi
Sacred Heart of
Jesus
Most Precious
Blood
Holy Name of Mary
Seven Sorrows of
THE Blessed Vir-
gin Mary
Holy Rosary
I Patronage of the
Blessed Virgin
Mary
Friday after Passion
Sunday.
Third Sunday after
Easter.
Thursday after Trin-
ity Sunday.
Friday after Octave
of Corpus Christi.
First Sunday of July.
Sunday within the
Octave of the Na-
tivity of the Blessed
Virgin ]\Iary.
Third Sunday of Sep-
tember.
First Sunday of Oc-
tober.
Second Sunday of
November.
Ube Calenbar
JANUARY
1. CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD; St. Ful-
gentius ; St. Odilo, Ab.
2. Octave of St. Stephen; St. Macarius; St. Ada-
lard.
3. St. Genevieve, V. ; Octave of St. John, Ap., Ev.
4. Octave of Holy Innocents ; St. Angela of Foligno.
5. St. Telesphorus, P., M. ; St. Simeon Stylites;
Vigil of Epiphany.
6. Epiphany of Our Lord.
7. St. Lucian, P., M. ; of the Octave of Epiphany.
8. St. Severinus ; St. Gudula, V. ; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
9. SS. Julian and Basilla, MM. ; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
10. St. William, Abp. of Bourges ; of the Octave of
Epiphany.
11. St. Hyginus, P., M. ; of the Octave of Epiphany.
12. St. Arcadius, M. ; St. Aelred, Ab. ; of the Octave
of Epiphany.
13. St. Veronica of Milan, V. ; Octave of the Epiph-
any.
14. St. Hilary, B. ; St. Felix, M.
15. St. Paul, first H.
16. St. Marcellus, P., M.
17. St. Anthony, Ab.
18. Chair of St. Peter at Rome.
19. St. Canute, K. of Denmark, M. ; St. Wolstan.
20. SS. Fabian and Sebastian, MM.
21. St. Agnes, V., M.
22. SS. Vincent and Anastasius, MM.
34
The Calendar
35
23. St. Raymond of Pennafort, C; Espousals of the
B. V. M.
24. St. Timothy, B., M.
25. Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle.
26. St. Polycarp, B., ^l.
27. St. John Chrysostom, B., D.
28. St. Flavian, ^L; and St. Agnes, the second time,
29. St. Francis of Sales, B., D.
30. St. ^Martina, V., M.
31. St. Peter Xolasco, C.
Abbreviations. — Ah., Abbot or Abbess ; Ah p., Archbishop ;
Ap., Apostle; BL, Blessed; .B., Bishop; B.V. M., Blessed Vir-
gin Mary; Cofnp., Companion and Companions; C, Confessor;
D. and DD., Doctor and Doctors ; Ev., Evangelist ; H., Hermit ;
K., King; M. and MM., Martyr and Martyrs; P., Pope; Pa.,
Patriarch ; Pen., Penitent ; Pr., Priest ; Q., Queen ; SS., Saints ;
v., Virgin ; W., Widow.
FEBRUARY
1. St. Ignatius, B., M.; St. Brigid, V., Patroness of
Ireland.
2. Purification of the Bl. Virgin Mary.
3. St. Blase, B., M.
4. St. Andrew Corsini, B.
5. St. Agatha, V., M.; St. Philip of Jesus.
6. St. Dorothy, V., M.; St. Titus, B.
7. St. Romuald, Ab.
8. St. John of Matha, C.
9. St. Apollonia, V. M.; St. Cyril of Alexandria,
B., C, D.
10. St. Scholastica, V.
11. St. Saturninus, M. ; Seven Founders of the Servite
Order.
12. St. Meletius, Bishop of Antioch, C.
13. St. Catharine of Pvicci, V.; Gregory II, P.
36
The Calendar
14. St. Valentine, Pr., M. ; St. Agathon, P.
15. SS. Faustinus and Jovita, MM.
16. St. Onesimus, B. of Ephesus, M. ; Gregory X., P.
17. St. Theodulus, M. ; St. Hyginus, P.
18. St. Simeon, B. of Jerusalem, M.
19. St. Mansuetus, B. of Milan and C.
20. St. Eucherius, B., C.
21. St. Severianus, B., M.
22. Chair of St. Peter, at Antioch.
23. (Vigil.) St. Peter Damian, B., D.
24. St. Matthias, Ap., in leap-years on the 2$th,
25. St. Felix, P., C.
26. St. Alexander, B. of Alexandria, C.
27. St. Leander, B. of Seville, C.
28. St. Romanus, Ab.
29. St. Oswald, B. of Worcester, C.
MARCH
1. St. Albinus, B., C. ; St. David.
2. St. Simplicius, P., C.
3. St. Cunegunda, V.
4. St. Casimir, C.
5. St. Phocas, M.
6. St. Victor, M. ; St. Fridolin, C.
7. St. Thomas Aquinas, C, D.
8. St. John of God, C.
9. St. Frances of Rome, W. ; St. Catharine of Bo-
logna, V.
10. The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.
11. St. Eulogius, Pr., M.
12. St. Gregory the Great, P., D.
13. St. Euphrasia, V.
14. St. Mathilda, W.
15. St. Longinus, M.
The Calendar
37
16. St. Abraham, H.
17. St. Patrick, B., Ap. of Ireland.
18. St. Gabriel, Archangel ; St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
19. St. Joseph, Spouse of the B. V. M., Patron of
the Universal Church.
20. St. Cuthbert, B., C.
21. St. Benedict, Ab.
22. St. Basil, Pr., M. ; St. Catharine of Sweden, V.
23. St. Turibius, B. of Lima, C.
24. St. Simon, an infant Martyr at Trent; St. Ire-
naeus, B.
25. Annunciation of the B. V. M.
26. St. Ludger, B., C.
27. St. John Damascene, B., D. ; St. Robert, B., C.
28. St. Guntran, K., C. ; St. John Capistrano, C.
29. St. Eustace, M.
30. St. John Climacus, Ab.
31. St. Balbina, V.
APRIL
1. St. Hugh, B. of Grenoble, C.
2. St. Francis of Paola, C.
3. St. Richard, B., C.
4. St. Isidore, B. of Seville, D.
5. St. Vincent Ferrer, C.
6. St. Celestine I., P., C.
7. St. Hegesippus, C.
8. St. Dionysius, B. of Corinth.
9. St. Mary of Egypt.
10. St. Macarius, B. of x\ntioch, C.
11. St. Leo the Great, P., D.
12. St. Victor, M.
13. St. Hermenegild, M.
14. SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MM. ;
St. Justin, M. ; St. Lidwina. V.
38
The Calendar
15. SS. Basilissa and Anastasia, MM.
16. St. Lambert, M. ; Benedict Joseph Labre, C.
17. St. Anicetus, P., M.
18. St. Perfectus, Pr., M. ; Bl. Mary of the Incarna-
tion.
19. St. Timon, D., M. ; St. Werner, M.
20. St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Ab., V. ; Bl. Gerard,
C.
21. St. Anselm, B. of Canterbury, D.
22. SS. Soter and Caius, Popes, MM.
23. St. George, M.
24. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, M.
25. St. Mark the Evangelist — The great Litany,
26. SS. Cletus and MarcelUnus, Popes, MM. ; Our
Lady of Good Counsel.
27. St. John, Ab., C. ; St. Turibius de Mogrovejo,
B., C.
28. St. Vitalis, M. ; St. Paul of the Cross.
29. St. Peter, M.
30. St. Catharine of Sienna, V.
MAY
1. SS. Philip and James, Apostles.
2. St. Athanasius, B. of Alexandria, D.
3. Finding of the Holy Cross.
4. St. Monica, W. ; Bl. John Fisher, Thomas More
and Comps.
5. St. Pius, v., P., C.
6. St. John the Apostle, before the Latin Gate.
7. St. Stanislaus, B., M.
8. Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel.
9. St. Gregory Nazianzen, B., D.
10. St. Antoninus, B. of Florence.
11. St. Mamertus, B. of Vienna, C.
The Calendar
39
12. SS. Nereus and Achilleus, MM.
13. St. John the Silent, H.
14. St. Boniface, M.
15. St. Torquatus and Comps., MM.
16. St. Ubald, B.
17. St. Paschal Baylon, C.
18. St. Venantius, M.
19. St. Peter Celestine, P. ; St. Pudentiana, V.
20. St. Bernardine of Sienna, C.
21. St. Valens, B., M.
22. St. John Nepomucene, M. ; St. John Baptist de
la Salle.
23. St. Desiderius, B., M.
24. Feast of B. V. M., as Help of Christians.
25. St. Gregory VII, P., C.
26. St. Phihp Neri, C.
27. St. Bede, C, D.
28. St. Germanus, B. of Paris, C. ; St. x\ugustine of
Canterbury, B., C.
29. St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V.
30. St. Felix, P., M.
31. St. Petronilla, V. ; St. Angela Merici, V.
On the Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension of Our
Lord, the feast of St. Jo.\n of Arc.
JUNE
1. St. Pamphilus, Pr., M.
2. SS. Marcellinus, Peter, and Erasmus, MM. ;
St. Blandina.
3. St. Clotilda, Q. of France.
4. St. Francis Caracciolo, C.
5. St. Boniface, B., Ap. of Germany.
6. St. Norbert, B. of Magdeburg.
7. St. Robert, Ab.
40
The Calendar
8. St. Medardus, B., C. ; St. William, B. of York,
England.
9. SS. Primus and Felicianus, MM. ; St. Columba
(Ireland).
10. St. Margaret, Q. of Scotland.
11. St. Barnabas, Ap.
12. St. John of St. Fagondez, C.
13. St. Anthony of Padua, C.
14. St. Basil the Great, B., D.
15. SS. Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia, MM,
16. St. John Francis Regis, C.
17. St. Avitus, Pr., C.
18. SS. Marcus and Marcellianus, MM.
19. St. Juliana Falconieri, V.
20. St. Silverius, P., M.; Blessed Giles.
21. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, C.
22. St. Paulinus, B. of Nola; St. Alban.
23. Vigil of Nativity of St. John the Baptist; St.
Etheldreda, Ab.
24. Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
25. St. William, Ab.; Bl. Peter Canisius.
26. SS. John and Paul, MM.; St. Robert of Molesme.
27. St. Crescent, B., M.; St. Ladislas, C.; King of
Hungary.
28. (Vigil.) St. Irenaeus, B., M. ; St. Leo II., P.; St.
Potamiana, V., M.
29. SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles.
30. Commemoration of St. Paul, Ap,
JULY
1. Octave of St. John the Baptist.
2. Visitation oe the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3. St. Eulogius and Comps., MM.; St. Paul
I., p.
The Calendar
41
4. St. Flavian, B. of Antioch; Bi. Columba of
Rieti.
5. St. Athanasius, D.. M. ; St. Anthony Maria
Zaccarda, C.
6. Octave of SS. Peter and Paul; St. Palladius, B.C.;
St. Julian, Anchoret.
7. SS. Cyrillus and Methodius, B., C.
8. St. Elizabeth, Q. of Portugal.
9. St. Cyrillus, B. of Gortyna, M.
10. The Seven Brothers, MM. ; SS. Ruffina and
Secunda, VV., MM.
11. St. Pius I., P., M.
12. St. John Gualbert, Ab.
13. St. Anacletus, P., M.
14. St. Bonaventure, B., D.
15. St. Henry, Emp., C.
16. Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
17. St. Alexius, C. ; St. Osmund.
18. St. Camillus of LeUis. C.
19. St. Vincent of Paul, C.
20. St. Jerome .^milian, C. ; St. Margaret, V., M.
21. St. Praxedes, V.
22. St. Mary Magdalen, Pen.
23. St. Apollinaris, B., M. ; St. Liborius.
24. (Vigil.) St. Christina, V., M. ; St. Francis Solanus,
C.
25. St. James the Apostle ; St. Christopher, M.
26. St. Anna, Mother of the Blessed Virgin.
27. St. Pantaleon, M.
28. SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and others, MM.
29. St. Martha, V.
30. SS. Abdon and Sennen, MM.
31. St. Ignatius de Loyola, Founder of the Society of
Jesus.
The Calendar
AUGUST
1. St. Peter's Chains; B. Giovanni Colombini.
2. St. Alphonsus M. Liguori, B., D.
3. Finding of the Relics of St. Stephen, first M.; St.
Waltheof, Ab.
4. St. Dominic, C.
5. Dedication of St. Mary, ad Nives (Our Lady of
the Snow).
6. Transfiguration of Our Lord; St. Dorotheas,
Ab.
7. St. Cajetan, C.
8. SS. Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, MM.; Bl.
Peter Favre.
9. St. Romanus, M.
10. St. Lawrence, M.
11. SS. Tiburtius and Susanna, MM.; St. Lutgarde,
v.; St. Philomena, V., M.
12. St. Clara, V.
13. SS. Hippolytus and Cassianus, MM. ; St. John
Berchmans.
14. (Vigil with fast.) St. Eusebius, C.
15. ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY.
16. St. Hyacinthus, C.
17. Octave of St. Lawrence; St. Bessarion, SoKtary.
18. St. Agapitus, M. ; St. Helen.
19. St. Lewis, B. of Toulouse, C.
20. St. Bernard, Ab., D.
21. St. Jane Frances de Chantal, W.
22. Octave of the Assumption ; St. Timothy and
Comps., M.
23. (Vigil.) St. Philip Beniti, C.
24. St. Bartholomew, Ap.
25. St. Louis, K. of France, C.
The Calendar
43
26. St. Zephyrinus, P., M.
27. St. Joseph Calasanctius, C.
28. St. Augustine, B., D.
29. Beheading of St. John the Baptist ; St. Sabina, M.
30. St. Rose of Lima, V.
31. St. Raymund Nonnatus, C.
On the Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption the
feast of St. Joachim, the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
SEPTEMBER
1. St. Giles, Ab. ; St. Odo of Canterbury.
2. St. Stephen, K. of Hungary, C.
3. St. Simeon Stylites, C. ; St. Michael of the Saints.
4. St. Rosalia, V. ; St. Rose of Viterbo.
5. St. Lawrence Justinian, B. of Venice.
6. St. Pambo of Nitria, Ab.; St. Augustine, Apostle
of England.
7. St. Regina, V., AL; St. Camillus.
8. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; St.
Henry, Emperor.
9. St. Gorgonius, M.
10. St. Nicholas Tolentino, C.
11. SS. Protus and Hyacinthus, MAL ; St. Louis
Bertrand.
12. St. Juventius, B., D.
13. St. Amatus, Ab.
14. Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
15. St. Nicomedes, M.
16. SS. Cornelius, P., and Cyprian, B., MM. ; St.
Euphemia and Comps., MM.
17. Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi.
18. St. Joseph of Cupertino, C.
19. St. Januarius, B., and Comps., MAI.
20. (Vigil.) St. Eustachius and Comps., MM.
44
The Calendar
21. St. Matthew, Ap.
2 2. St. Thomas of Villanova, C.
23. St. Linus, P., M.
24. Our Lady of Mercy.
25. St. Cleophas, M.
26. SS. Cyprian and Justina, MM.
27. SS. Cosmas and Damian, MM.
28. St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia, M.
29. St. Michael the Archangel. (Dedication.)
30. St. Jerome, Pr., D.
OCTOBER
1. St. Remigius, B. of Rheims.
2. The Holy Guardian Angels.
3. St. Candidus, M. ; St. Thomas of Hereford.
4. St. Francis of Assisi, C.
5. St. Placidus and Comps., MM.
6. St. Bruno, C.
7. St. Mark, P., C.
8. St. Bridget, W.
9. St. Dionysius and Comps., MM.
10. St. Francis Borgia, C.
11. St. Germanus, B., M.
12. St. Wilfrid, B., C.
13. St. Edward, K. of England, C.
14. St. CalHstus, P., M.
15. St. Teresa, V.
16. St. Lullus, B. of Mentz; St. Gall.
17. St. Hedwig, W. ; Bl. Margaret Mary Alacoque.
18. St. Luke the Evangelist.
19. St. Peter of x\lcantara, C.
20. St. John Cantius, C.
21. St. Hilarion, Ab. ; St, Ursula and Comps., MM.
22. St. Mark, B. of Jerusalem, M.
The Calendar
45
[i 23. St. Ignatius, B. of Constantinople, M.
1; 24. St. Raphael the Archangel.
j 25. SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, MM. ; St. John of
I Beverly.
jf 26. St. Evaristus, P., M.
27. Vigil of SS. Simon and Jude; St. Eustochium, V.
I 28. SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles.
29. St. Theodorus, Ab.
30. St. Serapion, B., C. ; Bl. Alphonsus Rodriguez.
31. Vigil of All Saints, with fast; St. Wolfgang.
1. FEAST OF ALL SAINTS.
2. Commemoration of All Souls.
3. St. Malachy, B. of Armagh; St. Winefride, V., M.
4. St. Charles Borromeo, B., C.
5. St. Elizabeth, Mother of St. John the Baptist.
6. St. Leonard, H.
7. St. Engelbert, B., M.; St. Willibrord.
8. Octave of All Saints; St. Pelagia, Pen.
9. Dedication of the Lateran Church; St. Theodore
Tyro, M.
10. St. Andrew Avellino, C.
j , II. St. Martin, B. of Tours.
I 12. St. Martin L, P., M.
13. St. Stanislaus Kostka.
14. St. Josaphat, M. ; St. Laurence O'Toole (Ireland).
15. St. Gertrude, V.
■ 16. St. Edmund, B., C. (Canterbury).
17. St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B.; St. Hugh of
Lincoln.
18. Dedication of Churches of SS. Peter and Paul ;
|j, St. Odo, A.; St. Hilda, Ab.
]' 19. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, W.
NOVEMBER
46
The Calendar
20. St. Felix of Valois, C.
21. Presentation or the B. V. M. ; St. Oswin, M.
22. St. Cecilia, V., M.
23. St. Clement, P., M.
24. St. John of the Cross, C. ; St. Columbanus
(Ireland) .
25. St. Catharine, V., M. ; St. Leonard of Port Mau-
rice.
26. St. Peter, B. of Alexandria ; St. Silvester, Ab.
27. St. Severinus, H.
28. St. Gregory III., P., C.
29. (Vigil.) St. Saturninus, M. ; St. Willibrord, C, B.
30. St. Andrew the Apostle.
DECEMBER
1. St. Eligius, B., C.
2. St. Bibiana, V., M. ; St. Theodoret, M.
3. St. Francis Xavier, C.
4. St. Peter Chrysologus, B., D. ; St. Barbara, V., M.
5. St. Sabbas, Ab.
6. St. Nicholas, B. of Myra.
7. St. Ambrose, B. of Milan. D.
8. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE
B. V. M.
9. St. Leocadia,V., M.; Bl. Peter Fourier.
10. St. Melchiades, P., M. ; Translation of the Holy
House of Loretto.
11. St. Damasus, P., M.; St. Dionysius.
12. St. Synesius, M.; Bl. Silvanus.
13. St. Lucy, v., M.
14. St. Spiridion, B., C; Bl. Andrew Bobola.
15. Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the
B. V. M. ; Ven. Anna Maria Taigi.
16. St. Eusebius, B., M.
The Calendar
47
17. St. Olympias, W.
18. Expectation of the Delivery of the B. V. M.
19. St. Timothy, D., M.
20. (Vigil.) St. Dominic, Ab.
21. St. Thomas the Apostle.
22. St. Ischyrion, M. ; St. FeHx of Valois.
23. St. Victoria, V., M.
24. Vigil with fast; Bl. John Leonardi.
25. NATIVITY OF OUR LORD.
26. St. Stephen, First Martyr.
27. St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.
28. Holy Innocents.
29. St. Thomas, B. of Canterbury, M.
30. St. Sabinus, B., and Comps., MM.
31. St. Sylvester, P., C.
Mitb (5ob
^anctification of ttie SDa^ — of tl^e
mttk — ant) of ttie JEonttj
I
Sanctxfp tbe H)ai5
1. ""KiY mental and vocal prayer, espe-
'-^^ daily at morning and at night.
2. By means of the Good Intention or
Morning Offering; by praying with the heart
all day long in doing all things, and bearing
all sufferings in union with the Sacred Heart
of Jesus and for the greater glory of God.
3. By means of Ejaculatory Prayers, and
especially short indulgenced prayers.
4. By the practice of the Presence of God.
5. By a Spiritual Reading, for instance,
from ^'The Imitation of Christ,'' or ^^The
Lives of the Saints''; by the Particular
Examen and by the practice of a particular
virtue in honor of your patron saint.
N.B. Father Bowden's Miniature Lives
of the Saints for Every Day in the Year''
is a very beautiful and practical work that
we recommend to all classes. This precious
little book contains just one leaf for each
day. ^'The face of each leaf," the preface
48
Sandification of the Day
49
f tells us, ^'contains a simple outline of the
j saint's life, in which great care has been taken to
f insure historical accuracy. The reverse bears
as its title a virtue characteristic of the saint,
and comprises an exhortation, a maxim of the
saint or of some spiritual writer ; an illus-
trative anecdote ; and finally a text from
Scripture.
^'Each section is intended to enforce the
lesson taught by the life, much as the lections,
chapter, hymn, and antiphon of the breviary
narrate the history, extol the virtues, and
implore the suffrages of the saint to whose
Office they belong.
Butler's 'Xives of the Saints" and Benziger
Brothers' ^'Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints"
are also recommended.
Let us cultivate the devotion, which con-
sists in venerating, imitating, and invoking a
particular saint for each day, and with this
end in view read daily from the Lives of
the Saints." The saints are our models in
the following of Christ ; they teach us the way
of salvation ; let us honor them, imitate their
virtues, and invoke their intercession that
we also may become saints.
so
Sanctifi cation of the Day
lExallent .Spivittial i^eatiing
*Y^URiNG many weeks of extreme languor
the Psalms have never been out of my
hands. I was never wearied of reading over
and over those sublime lamentations, those
flights of hope, those supplications full of
love, which answer to all the wants and all
the miseries of human nature. It is nearly
three thousand years since a king composed
those songs in his days of repentance and
desolation; and we still find in them the
expression of our deepest anguish, and the
consolation of our sorrows. The priest re-
cites them daily; thousands of monasteries
have been founded in order that these psalms
might be chanted at every hour, and that this
voice of supplication might never be silent.
The Gospel alone is superior to the hymns of
David, and this only because it is their ful-
filment, because all the yearnings, all the
ardors, all the holy impatience of the prophet
find their accomplishment in the Redeemer
issued of his race. — Ozanam.
The Psalms, besides their inspiration, their
majesty and pathos, their sublim.e poetry, and
their prophetic character, have a threefold
claim to our veneration — as the Prayer of
David, the Prayer of Jesus Christ, and
Sanctifi cation of the Day
51
the Prayer of the Church. Even, humanly
speaking, the Prayer of David would be the
prayer of every grade of life, of every spiritual
|. necessity. The shepherd's youngest son,
J small in stature, ruddy and beautiful to be-
f hold, and of a comely face,'' he becomes the
champion, the hero, and the sovereign of the
chosen people. The changing scenes of his
life display the beauty and constancy of
friendship, the pangs of ingratitude, the gran-
deur of piety, the simplicity of its manifesta-
tion, the loss of virtue, the agony of remorse,
and the fervor of that contrition which, amidst
the plaintive melodies of the psaltery, poured
itself forth in those deep, thrilling accents of
sorrow which, to the end of our wayward his-
tory, must form the sad language of penance.
Therefore, in the Prayer of David, every one
who suffers, every one w^ho rejoices, every one
who is temxpted, or falls, or repents, will be
able to breathe forth his thoughts, his hopes,
his praises, his desires, in strains of inspired
poetry. But, as we learn from the New
, Testament, David is both a prophet and a
type of Jesus Christ, and the ^'Prayer of
David " is therefore also the Prayer of Jesus
Christ." Our Lord quoted the Psalms and
applied them to Himself, He used them as
His own prayers, He sung them with His
52
Sanctification of the Day
Apostles, and on the cross, just before He
gave up the Ghost, He cried with a voice
those words of the CompKne psalm, which in
His sacred childhood He had heard chanted in
the Temple of Jerusalem, "In manus tuas
commendo spiritum meum " ; ^^Into Thy hands
I commend My spirit.''
It is not, therefore, to be wondered at,
that the Psalms have, first in the Jewish
Temple, and then around the Christian altar,
formed the prayer of the Chosen People, the
" Prayer of the Church,'' the '^Divine Office,"
for now nearly three thousand years. — Crown
of Jesus.
An excellent daily spiritual reading would
be a combination of extracts from Holy
Scripture, ^^The Imitation of Christ" by
Thomas a Kempis, and ^^The Lives of the
Saints" (or St. Francis de Sales' ^'Devout
Life"). A very serviceable book for this
purpose is Le Masson's ^'Spiritual Reading
for Every Day," edited by Kenelm Digby
Best of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri.
Sanctification of the Day 53
iiragtrs in Ytxst ^
Words and Deeds
Holy thoughts and tender words
Are at best mere leaves and flowers,
But the fruits are generous deeds —
Where, oh I coward soul, are ours?
Soon, too soon, will come the end :
God forgive what's past and gone 1
Mary Mother I Angels ! Saints !
Pray for me and help me on.
Prayers and good words within your memory store,
And at stray moments say them o'er and o'er.
'Twill help to hallow all your work and play.
And holy thoughts will keep bad thoughts away.
On through your round of duties plod,
Poor child of God !
Raising betimes your thoughts above
In faith and love ;
And in your hearts a holy song
All day long.
Another day begins for me,
What day shall be my last ?
Grant, Lord, that each new day may see
My heart more pure, more dear to Thee.
And oh ! forgive the past.
Good day, my Guardian Angel !
The night is past and gone.
And thou hast watched beside me
At midnight as at dawn.
1 By Fr. Matthew Russell, S J., in " All Day Long (London
Catholic Truth Society Publication).
54 Sanctification of the Day
The day is now before me,
And, as it glides away,
O help me well to make it
A good and holy day.
3
Jesus, I offer up this day
And all my life to Thee —
My thoughts, words, prayers, and all that may
Be done or borne by me.
All, all, to gain Thy Heart's desires :
O light in mine Its heavenly fires.
4
Dear Mother of Our Lord ! throughout this coming day
May'st thou be pleased with all I do and think and say
O look on me with love, and keep sin far away.
•at IBlass
The Four Ends of Sacrifice
Adore till the Gospel,
Give thanks till the bell ;
Till Communion ask pardon —
Then all your wants tell.
O Sacrum Convivmm !
O Sacred Banquet ! where on Christ we feed.
The memory of His Passion is recalled,
The soul is filled v/ith grace for every need,
And heavenly glory in this pledge forestalled.
After Communion
Crede, dole, spera, grates age, dilige, adora,
Vtilnera pande animce sanctaque dona pete.
Believe and grieve and hope, thank, love, adore.
Show your soul's wounds, and holy gifts implore.
Sandification of the Day 55
Before Heabmg gour J^ouse or 2^oom
Lord, send me forth to do Thy will,
But let me feel Thee present still.
God speaks to us through every holy page
Of uninspired or inspired sage.
O listen humbly to each counsel given.
As to a message sent to you from Heaven.
Before ti)e Bosarg
Mother, now I'll say my beads.
For my soul some comfort needs ;
And what better can there be
Than to raise my thoughts to thee,
Sweet Mother !
Unice cordis amor, timor cordis, Jesu !
Cor tihi dono meum, cor mihi redde timm.
Jesus, my heart's sole love, my heart's sole fear Thou art ;
My heart to Thee I give, give now to me Thy Heart.
Forgive me. Lord, forgive me !
'Tis all that I can say.
I love Thee : make me love Thee
More truly day by da}^
More and More and More
To Jesus
Forgive me I
With all my heart I love Thee and adore :
Lord, make me love Thee more and more and more.
56 Sanctification of the Day
God^s Household
Let us love and help each other !
Our Father is in heaven,
And Jesus is our Brother,
And Mary is our Mother,
And the blessed Saints above
And the friends on earth we love,
Nay, every human creature is the child
Of our Father dear in heaven.
Let us love and be loved, forgive and be forgiven.
Pray for the Dying
This hour for some poor souls is life's last hour.
Saved, saved — or lost ! — when this short hour's gone by.
A Cry from Purgatory
Have pity on me, you at least, my friends !
No, not with death true love, true pity ends.
Your prayers can still assist me on my way.
Take pity on me, O dear friends, and pray.
A Thought from St. Augustine
Our hearts were made for Thee, O Lord !
And restless must they be
Until — O Lord, this grace accord 1 —
Until they rest in Thee.
After Night Prayer
Another day is ended ;
How many more to live ?
Alas, too many wasted !
My God, forgive, forgive 1
Sandification of the Week 57
To my Angel
Good night, my guardian Angel !
The day has sped away ;
Well spent or ill, its story
Is written down for aye.
And now, of God's kind providence
Thou image pure and bright I
Watch o'er me while I'm sleeping —
My Angel dear, good night !
II
Sancttfp tbe Weeft
^^^^HE WEEK SA^XTIFIED " IS a popular term
applied to the custom in vogue among
religious people, whereby each day of the
week is consecrated to a particular devotion,
thus :
Sunday To the Holy Trinity.
Monday To the Holy Ghost and to the
Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Tuesday To the Holy Angels.
Wednesday. . . .To St. Joseph.
Thursday To the Blessed Sacrament.
Friday To the Passion of Our Lord
and to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.
Saturday To the Blessed Virgin Mary.
58 Sandification of the Week
During the week prayers are said and devo-
tions are practised in accordance with this
classification. As ''The Crown of Jesus"
suggests :
''It would also be well to devote particular
days to meditation on particular subjects, for
instance :
"Sunday — the Holy Trinity — faith, hope,
and charity — love of God — conform-
ity to the will of God — desire of heaven.
"Monday — the Holy Ghost — the duties of
your state of life — the sanctification of
your actions — fidelity to the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit.
"Tuesday — the Holy Angels — your ruling;
passion — the virtues — venial sin —
mortal sin.
"Wednesday — St. Joseph — the example of
patron saints — the Childhood of Our
Lord — the works of mercy.
"Thursday — the Blessed Sacrament — vir-
tues taught by Our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament (i.e., humility, silence, for-
bearance) — the Holy Mass.
"Friday — the Passion of Our Lord — the
virtues specially taught by the Pas-
sion, i.e., resignation, fraternal char-
ity, mortification — the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.
Sanctification of the Month 59
1 ^'Saturday — the Blessed Virgin Mary — her
purity, humihty, obedience, gentleness —
her love to Jesus Christ — also death —
judgment — eternity — purgatory —
hell — heaven/'
III
Sanctify tbe /IDontb
^T^ANY devout souls choose a patron saint
r"^^ for each month, in whose honor they
cultivate a certain virtue. They also prac-
|, tise each month a particular devotion. The
1'^ monthly devotions are usually arranged in
the following order:
iji January The Holy Infancy and the
i' Most Holy Name of Jesus.
February The Holy Trinity (also the
I Holy Family).
|l March St. Joseph.
April The Holy Ghost (also the Pas-
|j sion for Lent).
If May The Blessed Virgin Mary.
June The Blessed Sacrament and
the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
July. . The Precious Blood of Jesus.
August The Most Pure Heart of Mary.
September The Holy Cross and Our Lady
of Sorrows.
6o
Samtification of the Month
October
The Holy Angels and the
Holy Rosary.
The Holy Souls in Purgatory.
November '
December (Ad-
vent)
The Immaculate Conception.
A particular virtue may be assigned to each
month as follows :
January — Love of Jesus Christ.
February — Humility.
March — Mortification.
April — Patience.
May. — Meekness — purity — the spirit of
poverty.
June — Obedience — piety — dutifulness.
July — Simplicity — faith — liberty of spirit
— cheerfulness.
August — Sanctification of our actions — dil-
igence — edification — fidelity in little
things.
September — Piety — fervor in the perform-
ance of sacred duties — the spirit of
prayer.
October — Hope — trust in God — courage
— perseverance.
November — Charity — kindness.
December — Conformity to the will of God —
divine love.
SancUfi cation of the Month 6i
(Bems of tbe /IDontbs witb tbetr
Significance ^
According to ancient tradition assigning certain stones
to certain months.
January Garnet Perseverance ; Constancy.
February Pearl Faith and Innocence.
March Hyacinth Moral Beauty — Moral
Goodness.
April Diamond Purity and Fortitude.
May Emerald Faith in God and Faith-
fulness in Friendship.
June Amethyst Peace of Mind; also
Sincerity.
July Ruby Success; Devotedness to
Duty.
August Sardonyx Felicity ; Conformity to
the Will of God.
September Sapphire Divine Love and Mercy.
Love and Repentance in
Man.
October Opal Happiness of a Pure Life ;
also Hope.
November Topaz Divine Providence ; Res-
ignation ; Fidelity.
December Turquoise Piety; Fervor in God's
Sen.4ce ; Prosperity.
The path of sorrow, and that path alone,
Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown.
In sorrows. Lord, I'll try to see
Thy loving hand,
With wisdom guiding me unto
A better land.
1 Consult The Floral Apostles," Rev. A. Ambauen.
Sanctificaiion of the Month
Through the veiled future, Lord, be this
My prayer, my plea.
That it may bring me nearer still,
Dear Lord, to Thee.
1bi5mn
O Jesus, Jesus, Dearest Lord I
O Jesus, Jesus ! dearest Lord !
Forgive me if I say
For very love Thy Sacred Name
A thousand times a day.
I love Thee so, I know not how
My transports to control ;
Thy love is like a burning fire
Within my very soul.
O wonderful ! that Thou shouldst let
So vile a heart as mine
Love Thee with such a love as this,
And make so free with Thine.
For Thou to me art all in all,
My honor and my wealth,
My heart's desire, my body's strength,
My soul's eternal health.
What limit is there to thee, love ?
Thy flight where wilt thou stay?
On ! on ! Our Lord is sweeter far
To-day than yesterday.
Oh, love of Jesus ! Blessed love !
So will it ever be ;
Time can not hold thy wondrous growth,
No, nor eternity !
— Father Faber,
©efaotton anft ©tfaottons
1.
TH reference to what is meant by devo-
tion, with many there is a delusion
to which Father Segneri, in his treatise on
devotion to the ever blessed Mother of God,
alludes. Persons are supposed to be devoted
to Our Lord, to the Blessed Virgin — taking
these for examples — who are known to say
prayers in their honor, go to holy communion
on their great feasts, etc. Now Segneri says,
with truth, that prayers, communions, pil-
grimages, and such works may be helps to
devotion, or the consequences of devotion,
but they are not devotion in its real and true
meaning. Devotion is something personal.
Devotion to a person supposes great esteem,
if not love, of that person — a sensitive feel-
ing as to hurting or displeasing, a desire to
gratify and please, a wish to be one as much
as possible with such a person. Hence John-
I son, in his Dictionary,'' defines devotion to a
person: Strong attachment and ardent
love, such as makes the lover the sole property
of the person loved'' — one, as it were,
vowed away and consecrated to another.
Now it is quite possible that some Cath-
63
I
64
Devotion and Devotions
olics — who say many prayers, hear many
Masses, make many communions in honor
of Our Lord or His blessed Mother — hold to
their own will in many things, small if you
like, which they know are not pleasing to
one or the other ; hold to their own ways
against theirs ; fail in sweetness of temper,
charity of tongue, unselfish fidelity to the
duties they owe to others, in patience and
resignation when the cross comes — who are
in some, perhaps in many ways, unlike them.
Surely such persons could not be called, yet
at least, devoted, in the full meaning of the v
word, to Jesus and Mary. Here, again, the
true test of devotion is the hard thing —
imitation. To perform any amount of lip . i
devotion is easy, compared to the practice
of that charity, patience, resignation, obedi-
ence in trying circumstances — which marked
their holy lives.
In this matter of devotions persons may,
and perhaps should, be guided by their own
spiritual taste, practising those which they
like best, and which help them most toward
what should be the end of all devotions,
namely, laboring sincerely to make themselves
as like as possible to the person to whom
they are or desire to be devoted. We may,
however, study devotions, comparing one
Devotion and Devotions
65
with the other, to see if there be a scale or
gradation according to which we may place
them as they are in themselves, and inde-
pendently of any personal attraction one may
have toward them.
I think it may be safely stated that devo-
tions are the more approved of by the Church,
and therefore the more solid, in proportion to
their being more deeply founded in, or more
intimately connected with, revealed and de-
fined dogma, and therefore reaching back to
the earliest ages. Keeping this before us as
a standard, we may safely say that devotions
to God, or to one of the three divine Persons,
and to Our Lord, are of a higher order than
devotion to any creature, angel, or saint ;
and that devotion to the Blessed Virgin is
of a higher order than that to any of or to
the whole court of heaven.
Confining ourselves to Our Lord, and keep-
ing in mind that true devotion in its full
and perfect meaning supposes love for and
imitation of the person to whom we are de-
voted, we may securely say that the Passion
and the Blessed Sacrament are the subjects
best suited to create, increase^ inflame our
hearts, first with love, and then with a real
desire of imitation. Both are the clearest
and strongest proofs of the love of His Sacred
66
Devotion and Devotions
Heart for man, and therefore the best to
excite love for Him in the heart of man.
''Let Him/' says St. Augustine, ''be nailed
with the nails of love in the center of thy
heart, who, for love of thee, was nailed by
the hard iron nails to the wood of the cross."
And the Blessed Sacrament is the Sacrament
of love. As to imitation, Our Lord prac-
tised all virtues at all times ; but heroically
so in His Passion, because in the most trying
circumstances, particularly those virtues
which we need most — patience, charity,
forgiveness, the sweet silence, or the right
word in the right way, resignation, and
obedience to His Father's hard will unto
death. He called the bitter cup compounded
by His enemies "tht chalice of His Father,"
and drank it, slowly, feeling all its bitterness,
to the dregs. Sts. Chrysostom and Bonaven-
ture put well this lesson of imitation taught
us by Him in His Passion, when they say.
Nothing gives the common soldier such
courage in the fight as to keep his eyes fixed
on Jesus Christ, his King, in the front, and
bearing all the brunt of it." ^'The common
soldier will glory in his little wounds if he
keeps his eyes fixed on the great wounds
which his King bore, and bears for love of
him."
Devotion and Devotions
67
After devotion to the Passion and the
Blessed Sacrament would come devotion to
the Sacred Heart. This devotion always
existed in the Church, but, in its earliest ages,
it was confined to what I may call highly
educated, refined souls. It has become the
great popular devotion. At the same time,
these three devotions are so intertwined, so
logically connected, as to be inseparable. It
would scarcely be possible for a person to
have devotion to the Passion and Blessed
Sacrament without having devotion to the
Sacred Heart, and vice versa. On the one
hand. Our Lord, in those revelations made
to the Blessed Margaret Mary, always speaks
of Calvary and the Blessed Sacrament as the
great outcomes of the love of His Sacred
Heart for man ; while, on the other, when I
seek the reason for devotion to the Sacred
Heart, I at once find it in that great
heart-love which made Him die for and
remain forever with me in the Blessed Sac-
rament.
Besides keeping well in mind that the end of
devotion is to become one by imitation with
the object loved, these three devotions are
the best for this purpose, because they bring
us into personal contact with Our Lord, and
68
Devotion and Devotions
keep Him before us as the Being the most
to be loved and imitated.
I may here say a word of one form of
devotion to the Passion : the devout per-
forming of the Stations of the Cross. This
is a devotion as simple as it is beautiful; all
that is necessary is to pass from Station to
Station, praying or meditating, or both, on
the sufferings of Our Lord. It is, I believe,
the most richly indulgenced devotion in the
Church. It is commonly said that all the
indulgences given to the Crusaders, or to
those who made a pilgrimage to the Holy
Land, are now attached to the Stations, and
that at least fourteen plenary indulgences can
be gained. The conditions are few — being
in the state of grace, of course, and a few
prayers for the intention of the Sovereign
Pontiff. Confession and communion are not
necessary.
With reference to devotion to the Sacred
Heart and, at the same time, to the Blessed
Sacrament, one would be inclined to suggest
a pious and joyous celebration of the great
feast of Corpus Christi and its octave, fol-
lowed, as it is, immediately by the feast of
the Sacred Heart, since these two feasts have
been formally instituted by the Church — the
former, because she felt that she could not
Devotion and Devotions
69
worthily commemorate so wondrous a gift
during the spiritual sadness and gloom of
Holy Week : devotion to the first Friday,
every first Friday, rather than to any fixed
number, even the nine, because the Church
has given a formal approbation to every first
Friday.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin is the old
traditional devotion of Ireland ; may it con-
tinue so to the end. There are persons living
who can remember a time when there were
no sodalities of the Sacred Heart, of the
Holy Family, of the Children of Mary ; when
such forms of devotion were practically un-
known, and yet when every Irish Catholic
was a child of Mary, and devotion to her as
prominent as it is to-day. One might find,
in the poorest cabins, beads — ebony and
silver — or portions of them, religiously pre-
served and handed down from parents to
children. During more than two centuries
we may well apply to Irish CathoKcs the words
of St. Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrews :
^'They had trials of mockeries and stripes,
moreover also of bands and prisons, wander-
ing about, being in want, distressed and
affiicted, in deserts and mountains, and in
dens, and in caves of the earth, stoned, cut
asunder, put to death by the sword.'' But
70
Devotion and Devotions
they had their sword, too. Books were not
to be had. But they took the beads in their
hands, and, trusting in her, ''terrible as an
army in battle array"; in her, ''to whom
it is given to destroy all heresies," won
the greatest spiritual victory in history,
"the victory of her faith, which con-
quered the world." "She became valiant
in battle, put to flight the armies of for-
eigners," and successfully resisted and de-
feated the greatest and proudest nation of
the earth.
The best forms of devotion to Our Lady
are — as to her divine Son — hearing Mass
and receiving holy communion on her feasts
or in her honor, paying visits to her or to
her shrines. One may suggest the beads or
rosary and the brown scapular — the first
because it was the conquering sword of Ire-
land, and because of the marked approbation
and indulgences given to it by many of the
Sovereign Pontiffs, and by none of them
more than by Pope Leo XIII ; who has, we
may say, dedicated the month of October to
this favorite devotion in honor of the Mother
of God. It is also one of the oldest forms of
devotion. While respecting all scapulars ap-
proved of by the Church, I select the brown,
because it is the oldest, the best known, and
Devotion and Devotions
71
rich in indulgences. But note well that a
child of Mary must be like, or earnestly
working to become like, to her Mother —
like to her in her purity, her patience, her
charity of heart and tongue, her resignation
in time of trial, her obedience and conformity
to the will of God.
There is another form of devotion which is
very helpful, namely, to perform some real
act of mortification in honor of the person to
whom I desire to be devoted — on Saturday
in honor of the Blessed Virgin, on Friday in
honor of Our Lord and His Passion ; or, for
a day now and then, to deny myself some-
thing I like much, and like all the more be-
cause it is so delightful and innocent — the
pleasant book, the pleasant game, something
particularly pleasing to the palate, at table,
etc.
There are so many forms of devotion, par-
ticularly to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin,
that we must select some, as no one could
practise them all. , In this selection all should
study their own spiritual taste, and practise
those which they best like and which help
them most. Of late years, devotions of what
I may call the second or minor class have
been multiplied, perhaps some might be in-
clined to think, too much. Devotions to
72
Devotion and Devotions
particular saints, to pictures, statues, shrines,
and places, seem to overshadow the greater,
older, more approved and more solid forms
of devotion; and some of these are ^^run''
so earnestly by their votaries as to suggest
the suspicion that they think no one has
devotion who does not practise and uphold
their special form. They advertise them in a
most exaggerated way, as in themselves suffi-
cient and all-powerful to save, concluding
often with a money appeal. No one ought
to take up any devotion which has no attrac-
tion for him simply because others press it.
To do so would be insincere, unreal, and un-
profitable. Persons should also carefully
guard against multiplying devotions too
much, or loading themselves with them. This
would lead to neglect of more important
duties, or to devotions and duties being care-
lessly hurried through.
There can be no doubt that a few solid
devotions according to one^s spiritual taste
— which will fit into one's daily life without
interfering with duty — faithfully kept to,
are a great source of grace, and a help to
holiness. This may be said even of any one
devotional prayer or act patiently kept to
for years. Who could tell the protective
and, in the end, the saving power of some
Devotion and Devotions
73
short prayer, if only the three Hail Marys
faithfully said every day in honor of the
Blessed Virgin ? Some may object and say,
^'What great things could be expected as the
result of such an easy and short devotion?'^
An answer to this may be found in the fact
that God is so anxious to save all, that He
seizes what we would call a small thing, and,
in His generosity, makes it a great thing;
also in the wondrous saving power of His
blessed ^Mother, ''the sweet bait by which
He catches the worst sinners/'
Another objection may take the following
form : There is something presumptuous, if
not superstitious, in thinking that salvation
may be certainly secured by such a form of
devotion. I agree with the objector if a
person simply and formially practises it, and
it alone, with this sole intention. We read
rather amusing stories — I hope they are
only stories — of robbers lighting candles, or
performing some other form of devotion, in
order to have success in their unholy work.
I read lately of a notorious brigand in the
south of Italy, whose hands were red with
blood, having such a devotion to the Ma-
donna. This of course would be, if true,
rank superstition of the worst kind. It is
generally spoken of as confined to the south
74
Devotion and Devotions
of Italy. It is certainly not Italian devotion
to the Madonna, which is as solid and beau-
tiful as it is prominent in that country. But
to the point : there is not the shadow of such
perverted devotion elsewhere — above all, in
Ireland. There are, it is true, persons, great
sinners, who, even as such, have faith, and a
hatred of their sinful ways, and are very
conscious of their wretched state; who have
a sincere — weak, if you will, — desire to get
right with God ; and who, because of the
misery in which they are, will throw their
whole hearts at times into a most sincere and
earnest prayer, it may be every day, for
grace, strength, mercy, forgiveness. The
Italians have a saying that no one cries so
loudly and earnestly for help as a person up
to the chin in water and likely to be carried
by the next wave beyond his depth. So a
great sinner, because conscious of his awful
danger, will pray at times more earnestly
than a saint who is in no such danger. Judg-
ment Day will, we may hope, reveal the
wonderful effects of even one form of devotion
persevered in through a long life.^
1 From "Vetera et Nova," by Rev. N. Walsh, S.J.
Devotion and Devotions 75
2>
HE author of ''Where Saints Have Trod''
writes on the subject of devotion and
devotions: ^ The Church reserves to herself a
certain right of discrimination in this matter.
She meets the various devotions that arise
with approval, or toleration, or condemnation,
according as she judges them sound in doc-
trine or the reverse, and helpful or harmful or
indifferent to the spiritual life. By her ap-
proval she guarantees that they are sound in
doctrine and have it, at least, in them to be
helpful to salvation and sanctification ; by
her toleration she ensures to them a certain
negative virtue and harmlessness, without
any assertion as to their being actually en-
nobling and useful. But here her mission
ends. It is not as with the sacraments,
which she presses on the use of the faithful ;
it is not as with her doctrinal definitions,
which are to help on the life of spiritual
knowledge as the sacraments that of grace ;
in this other field she assumes to herself no
final responsibility, except in the merely nega-
tive manner which we have indicated ; she
approves in the name of doctrine, she permits
1 London Catholic Truth Society Publication, 1903.
76
Devotion and Devotions
in the name of liberty, but she commands
nothing except that toleration and respect
which she has herself manifested, and she
refuses to take up that burden of individual
responsibility which many are too ready to
fling on to her shoulders at every turn of the
spiritual life.
The right of choice and its duties remain
to the individual soul, which has to manifest
its loyalty by not cursing that which the Lord
has not cursed, and by exercising, in things
religious, that temperance and courtesy which
are the spiritual counterpart of social good
manners. We are not bound to practise all
the devotions which the Church declares holy
and harmless ; but we are bound to restrain
our criticism in the spirit of respect for our
fellow Christians, and we are also called onto
conform to certain general usages under pain
of becoming boors in our religious communion.
For, though not generally recognized, there
are certain faults of the critical spirit which
spring rather from want of manners than
from want of faith.
Granted, then, the approbation or tolera-
tion of the Church, which ensures to certain
devotions a general usefulness or, at any rate,
harmlessness, and which demands, on our
side, at least courtesy and respect, there
Devotion and Devotions
77
arises the further question of their acceptance
and use as regards ourselves personally. To
be good in general they must be in accordance
with faith and the general laws of the spiritual
life ; to be good for any one of us individually
they must not be superfluous, nor oppressive,
nor formal, nor artificial, but must minister
to our true spiritual needs, and foster our
true spiritual aspirations. . . .
By some, who are critically disposed in the
matter of devotions, the question is far too
roughly answered by a mere appeal to an-
tiquity. To such as these what is old is re-
spectable, and what is new contemptible.
They will confound in one category the
extravagant outbreak of enthusiasm for the
utterly unknown St. Expeditus, and such
deeply spiritual, though modern, devotions as
that of the Sacred Heart. Devotions not
known to the first ages should not be known
to ours, and they will only worship in the
manner of their ancestors.
There may be a resistance to new devotions,
which comes from sheer lifelessness on the
part of the objectors; they dislike all that
disturbs routine and forces the attention to
any fresh effort. But there may, on the other
hand, be a reasonable repugnance on the part
of those to whom new pieties are unattractive,
78
Devotion and Devotions
either because they bring in themselves no
fresh stimulus, or because the energy is already
fully employed elsewhere, and the liturgy and
sacraments are all that is needed to maintain
spiritual strength and vigor.
It were but an unreasonable optimism to
deny that there are practices of piety which
spring rather from temporal greed than from
spiritual earnestness. Not that they are to
be condemned simply because they are the
expression of material needs.
Our ''daily bread'' comprises that of the
body as well as that of the soul, and Christ
had pity on physical suffering as well as
spiritual disease. But again it is a case of
distinguishing, not between what is bad and
what is good, but between what is good and
what is better.
It is commonly urged in defense of the count-
less devotions, directed almost exclusively to
the obtaining, of temporal favors, that they
both prove and foster a strong, childlike
faith, and that, consequently, even if they
dip occasionally to the side of superstition,
they should not be ruthlessly eradicated, lest
we root up the wheat along with the tares.
True as all this may be, we are surely urging
the proposition to a most false extreme if we
go on to assume therefrom that no one can
Devotion and Devotions
79
have a deeper trust in his Creator than the
man who summons Him instantly to his aid
when he wants a change in the weather or a
shght improvement in his circumstances.
How much higher is the faith that cries out,
Though Thou shouldst slay me yet will I
trust in Thee!'' and how much deeper the
confidence that asks as proof no miracle, but
iust what Aquinas asked as reward, ^^Only
Thyself, Lord!"
IntroUuctorg i^eflecttons
h Qn ipra^er — \Docal iprai^er In particular
HE grace of prayer is a universal grace
granted to all men ; it is also a sufficient
grace, for by it we can obtain every other
grace necessary for salvation ; it is a grace
that is in every man's power ; it is also a grace
which every man must use if he wishes to be
saved — in a word, prayer is the principal
sufficient grace granted to all men for their
salvation.
Prayer is a universal grace, because it is in
the power of every man who has attained the
age of reason and enjoys its use. Prayer is in
everybody's power, for prayer is so easy that
no one can reasonably pretend that he is un-
able to pray. Every man can pray, be he
rich or poor, learned or illiterate, healthy or
sick, strong or weak, young or old, busy or at
leisure. ^^In speaking with God or praying,"
says St. Teresa, ^^we need not use many words
or choice phrases ; all that is requisite is that
we remain deeply recollected in His presence,
simply stating to Him our wants in our own
words, or merely in our thoughts without
80
Vocal Prayer in Particular 8i
uttering a single word, and reminding Him
of His promise to help us.^'
Prayer is, indeed, so easy that every one can
pray whenever he wishes, not only in health,
but even in sickness and in agony of death;
for, as long as the dying retain consciousness,
they are able to raise their hearts to God in
prayer. Moses, burdened with the cares of
an immense multitude of an unruly people,
Daniel in the lions' den, the three young men
in the midst of the fiery furnace, St. Joseph in
his workshop, St. Paul in his dungeon, St.
Isidore at the plow and caring for his fiock —
found time to pray and delighted in doing so.
We can, if we wish, imitate them amid our
daily occupations, however laborious and dis-
tracting they may be in themselves. The
grace of prayer is a constant grace, for every
one can pray at all times ; during the day and
at night, as the early Christians used to do,
according to the testimony of TertuUian.
We can pray early and late, in all places, at
home and in church, on land and on sea, in
private and in public, in all occupations,
whether mental or corporal ; in all positions,
even in walking and in lying down. God is
everywhere present, and is ever ready to
listen to our petitions for His help.
Prayer, if well made, is infallible in its
82 Introductory Reflections
results. We can, of ourselves, do nothing for
our salvation, for Christ says: Without Me
you can do nothing" (John xv. 5). Since
God wills that we should attain a destiny be-
yond the reach of our natural powers. He
must necessarily be willing to grant us His
help to attain it, whenever we earnestly pray
for it. In fact, says St. Augustine, ^^God is
more willing to grant us favors than we are
to receive them." ^'God is always ready,"
says St. John Chrysostom, ^'to hear the voice
of His servants praying to Him ; He has never
yet neglected to hear it when called upon as
He should be." The prophet Isaias (xxx. 19)
had already said the same thing: ^'God will
surely have pity on thee ; at the voice of thy
cry, as soon as He shall hear, He will answer
thee." ^'The Lord," says the Royal Prophet,
^^is nigh to all them that call upon Him in
truth ; He will do the will of them that fear
Him ; He will hear their prayer, and save
them" (Ps. cxliv. 18, 19).
We have the formal and solemn promise of
Our Lord Jesus Christ that God will hear our
prayers and grant us all we ask, for He says
expressly : Amen, amen, I say to you, if you
ask the Father anything in My name, He will
give it you. . . . Ask, and you shall receive"
(John xvi. 23, 24). ^'You shall ask whatever
Vocal Prayer in Particular
83
you will, and it shall be done unto you''
(John XV. 7). God is faithful and just, and
will, therefore, surely keep His promise to
grant us the graces we need, because we have
a claim to them. They are the price of the
blood and merits of Jesus Christ, for He died
to save us. His merits are, then, ours ; and,
when we claim by our prayers a share in them
or in their fruits, God can not refuse to grant
us what we ask.
The Holy Scriptures are full of examples of
the efficacy of prayer as a means of obtaining
whatever we need to secure our salvation. It
was by his prayer that the publican was
justified, by her prayer that the Samaritan
woman was converted ; it was by his prayer
that David obtained the forgiveness of his
sin, and that the good thief on the cross was
converted and received the promise of para-
dise. We find in Holy Writ also many ex-
amples of prayer as an efficacious means of
obtaining even temporal favors. It was by
prayer that Moses obtained the victory over
the Amalecites ; Elias obtained rain after a
three years' drought ; ]\Ianassas, his deliver-
ance from prison and his restoration to his
kingdom ; Ezechias, the prolongation of his
life ; Solomon, wisdom ; Susanna, the proof
of her innocence ; Daniel, his deliverance
84 Introductory Reflections
from the lions ; the bhnd man, his sight ; and
the Church, St. Peter's deliverance from
prison and death. When we pray, God in
some manner obeys our will, as He obeyed
that of Josue when by his prayer he com-
manded the sun to stand still: ^^The Lord/'
says Scripture, ^'obeying the voice of a man''
(Jos. X, 14). ^
Prayer is, as the Wise Man says, ^^a shield
wherewith to oppose the divine wrath."
God is almighty ; and yet to this question of
the Psalmist, ^'Thou art terrible, 0 God, and
who shall resist Thee ?" (Ps. Ixxv. 8) we can
answer: Prayer!" because prayer also is
almighty, and in some sense capable of over-
coming God Himself. We have a most re-
markable example of this in Moses. Holy
Scripture thus relates the fact: ^'The people,
seeing that Moses delayed to come down from
the mount [Sinai], gathering together against
Aaron, said : Arise, make us gods, that may
go before us ; for, as to this Moses, we know
not what has befallen him. And Aaron said
to them : Take the golden earrings from the
ears of your wives and your sons and daugh-
ters, and bring them to me. And the people
did what he had commanded, bringing the
earrings to Aaron. And when he had re-
ceived them, he made of them a molten calf;
Vocal Prayer in Particular
85
and they said : These are thy gods, 0 Israel,
that have brought thee out of the land of
Egypt. And Aaron built an altar before it.
And rising in the morning, the people offered
holocausts and peace-victims, and sat down
to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.
And the Lord spoke to Moses : Thy people
hath sinned. Let Me alone, that My wrath
may be kindled against them, and that I
may destroy them'' (Exod. xxxii. i-io).
Why should God, who is almighty and ir-
resistible, ask Moses to ^'let Him alone" —
that is, not to interfere with His design of
destroying the idolatrous Israelites ? What
could Moses effect against God ? But Moses
could pray, and, taking the hint, he did inter-
fere, saying: ^^Why, O Lord, is Thy indig-
nation enkindled agamst Thy people? Let
Thy anger cease, and be appeased upon the
wickedness of Thy people.'' His prayer met
with perfect success, for it appeased God's
wrath, compelling Him, as it were, to show
mercy. ^'Amd the Lord was appeased from
doing the evil He had threatened against His
people."
Prayer is, then, in a certain sense, almighty,
able to overcome God Himself ; it is unfailing
in its effects, and at the same time so easy as
to be in the power of every adult whenever he
86
Introductory Reflections
wishes. ^^All excuse/' says St. Alphonsus,
^'is taken away from those sinners who pre-
tend that they have not the strength to over-
come their temptations, because, if they had
recourse to prayer and made use of this or-
dinary grace bestowed on all men, they would
obtain all the strength they need to overcome
temptation and save their souls. No one is
damned for the original sin of Adam, but
solely for his own fault, because God refuses
to no one the grace of prayer whereby he
may obtain His assistance to overcome every
passion, every temptation.
^^He who prays/' says St. Alphonsus, in
another place, ^^is certainly saved; he who
prays not is certainly lost. All the blessed
(except infants) have been saved by prayer.
All the damned have been lost by not praying ;
had they prayed, they would not have been
lost. And this is and will be their greatest
torment in hell, to think how easily they
might have been saved, had they only prayed
to God for His grace ; but that is now too
late — for the time of prayer is now over for
them." We have just seen how effective
prayer is, because it is the infallible means of
gaining heaven. St. Augustine is, then, right
in calling prayer "the key of heaven.
The necessity of prayer is twofold, viz,, as a
Vocal Prayer in Particular
87
precept of God and as an indispensable means
of salvation. First, as a precept. God re-
peatedly commands us in the Old Testament
to have recourse to prayer: "Cry to Me'^
(Jer. xxxiii. 3) ; /Xall on ]\Ie" (Ps. xlix. 15).
In the Xew Testament Jesus Christ expressly
commands us to pray. "Ask," He says,
^'and you shall receive; seek, and you shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened to you''
fMatt. vii. 7; Mark xi. 24; Luke xi. 9J.
'•Pray, lest you enter into temptation '' (Luke
xxii. 40 and 46). ^'\Ve ought always to
pray '' (Luke xviii. i).
Prayer is necessary for all men as a means
of salvation. Even were there no special
commandment to pray, we should be obliged
to pray in order to obtain the graces and
means necessary for our salvation. We need
God's grace for every thought and act per-
taining to salvation ; we are naturally weak
and prone to evil, and can not of ourselves
keep all the commandments of God. For
this we need His special assistance, which, in
the ordinary course of His providence. He
grants only to those who pray for it. because
He will not force His graces on the unwilling,
and those who. really want them will surely
ask for them.
Prayer is necessary for the good, for the
88 Introductory Reflections
just, as well as for the sinner. ''After
baptism/' says St. Thomas, ''continual
prayer is necessary for man that he may enter
heaven.'' The just man can not practise
virtue without prayer, for, says St. John
Climacus, "prayer is the source of all virtue;
it is the channel through which flow to us all
Christ's graces and all divine gifts ; it is the
best and most indispensable means of ad-
vancing in virtue."
The just man, although he is in the grace of
God, is nevertheless naturally weak, prone to
evil, and beset with many temptations from
the world and the devil, and especially from
his own passions. He can not escape tempta-
tion, and without God's assistance he can
not overcome it. St. John Chrysostom says :
"As water is required to keep plants from
withering, so also prayer is necessary to pre-
serve us from destruction. As fire is quenched
by water, so are our passions extinguished by
prayer."
The same misfortune will befall the just man
who neglects to pray in time of temptation as
befell St. Peter when he failed to pray accord-
ing to Our Saviour's injunction. St. Peter
loved Our Lord truly and dearly, and, we may
say, with a greater love than that of any of
the other apostles. And nevertheless he
Vocal Prayer in Particular 89
basely denied his divine Master thrice, and
not only did he deny Him, but he even swore
with fearful imprecations that he knew Him
not. How came it that he fell so low, so
deeply ? It was because he neglected prayer.
At the Last Supper our divine Saviour fore-
told to His apostles that they would all
abandon Him that night, saying: ^'You will
all be scandalized in My regard to-night.''
''But Peter saith to Him: Although all shall
be scandalized in Thee, yet not I. And Jesus
saith to him : Amen I say to thee, to-day,
even in this night, before the cock crow twice,
thou shalt deny Me thrice. But Peter spoke
the more vehemently : Although I should die
together with Thee, I will not deny Thee"
(Mark xiv. 27-31). St. Peter was very
sincere in his resolution to die with Jesus
rather than deny Him. But he was weak,
very weak of himself ; he was warned of this
in the Garden of Olives, when, not having
heeded the injunction of Jesus to watch and
pray with Him, he was thus spoken to by
the loving Saviour: ''Watch ye and pray,
that ye enter not into temptation [that is,
that ye yield not to temptation] ; the spirit,
indeed, is willing, but the flesh weak"
(Matt. xxvi. 41). St. Peter did not heed this
warning ; he failed to pray, and when the
90
Introductory Reflections
temptation came he was deservedly left to
his own weakness and helplessness, and denied
Our Lord in the most cowardly and shocking
manner. A sad experience records the fall
of many formerly holy personages into degrad-
ing vices, because of their neglect of prayer in
time of temptation. Had St. Peter prayed,
had they prayed, God would have given them
most efficacious graces to cope victoriously
with temptation. The same misfortune will
happen to us, if we, too, neglect prayer in
temptation.
Prayer is also absolutely necessary to obtain
the most excellent and necessary grace of final
perseverance. What will all other graces
avail us, if we do not obtain that of final per-
severance? But we need, says the Council
of Trent, a special grace of God to persevere
finally in His friendship and die a good death.
But this grace can not be merited even by
the greatest saints. No one can claim a right
to it. This is a terrible truth ; for many who
had a long time led a holy life and edified the
whole Church did not persevere, but fell into
sin and died in sin ! But that grace of graces
— final perseverance, which we can not merit
or lay claim to on account of previous good
works, we can surely obtain, says St. Augustine,
^^by daily prayer. But ^^we must pray for
Vocal Prayer in Particular
91
it daily/' says St. Alphonsus, ^^that we may
obtain it for that day/' If we neglect prayer
a single day, we may fail to obtain it, and may
then fall into sin and die in sin. Bnt if we
pray daily for perseverance, we shall most
assuredly obtain it, according to the Saviour's
promise.
''All the reprobate," says St. Alphonsus,
^'have been lost in consequence of their
neglect of prayer ; and all the saints have
become saints by prayer ; had they neglected
prayer, they could not have become saints
and should not even be saved. I would wish
to do nothing else than write and speak always
on this great means of prayer ; for, on the one
hand, I see that the Scriptures, the Old as
well as the New Testament, exhort us so often
to pray, to ask and cry out if we wish for the
divine graces. 'Cry to Me, and I will hear
thee' (Jer. xxxiii. 3). 'Call on Me, and I will
deliver thee' (Ps. xlix. 15). 'All things what-
soever you ask when you pray, believe that
you shall receive, and they shall come unto
you' (Mark xi. 24). 'You shall ask whatever
you will, and it shall be done unto you'
(John XV. 7). 'If you shall ask Ale anything
in My name, that I will do' fjohn xiv. 14).
There are a thousand similar passages. I
know not how the Lord could better declare
92 Introductory Reflections
His desire to bestow His graces upon us, or
the necessity we are under of asking them if
we wish to obtain them. The holy Fathers
also continually exhort us to pray. And to
speak the truth, I complain of preachers, of
confessors and spiritual writers, because I see
that neither preachers, nor confessors, nor
spiritual writers speak as much as they ought
of the great means of prayer. I have, there-
fore, written at length on this subject in so
many of my little works ; and when I preach
I do nothing else than say and repeat : Pray !
pray ! if you wish to be saved.''
Prayer, as we have seen, is both easy and
effective ; and, nevertheless, numerous are
the complaints that our prayers are not heard.
St. James thus answers these complaints :
^'You ask and receive not, because you ask
amiss" (James iv. 3). St. Augustine says
that there are three principal reasons why
our prayers are not granted by God. Some
people, he says, are unfit to be heard when
they pray, because far from being agreeable
to God, they are hateful to Him. Others are
refused what they pray for, because they ask
for unsuitable and even for dangerous things.
Others, finally, are not heard because their
prayers lack some of the qualities of a good
prayer. We should pray for temporal favors
Vocal Prayer in Particular 93
conditionally — that is, under the condition
that they either promote our salvation, or at
least do not interfere with it; for we should
never lose sight of this saying of Our Lord :
^' What doth it profit a man, if he gain the
whole world and suft'er the loss of his own
soul? (Matt. xvi. 26.)
^'God," says St. Alphonsus, speaking on
this subject, "has pledged Himself to grant
us, not temporal, but spiritual goods, goods
necessary or conducive to our salvation ; for
we can not ask ' in the name of Jesus ' for what
is or may prove hurtful to our salvation.
God does not and can not grant it. Why ?
Because He loves us. A physician who has
any regard for his patient will not permit him
things which he knows will prove injurious
to him. Many people ask for health or riches,
but God does not give them because He fore-
sees that they will be an occasion of sin or
of tepidity in His service. When we ask for
temporal favors, we ought always to add this
condition — if they are profitable to our souls.
And when we see that God does not give them,
let us rest assured that He refuses them only
because He loves us, and because He sees that
what we ask would, if He were to give them
to us, redound to our spiritual injury."
The prayers of many persons are not heard
94 Introductory Reflections
because they are wanting in some of the
necessary quaHties of a good prayer, namely,
attention, sincerity, humility, confidence, per-
severance, and earnestness. Our confidence
in God should be boundless. He is our most
generous Benefactor, our most loving Father.
He has already conferred numberless benefits
on us without any merit or prayer of ours.
Every moment of our life is marked by His
renewed favors toward us. He loves us with
a love greater than that of a loving mother
for her own darling child, for He says :
^^Can a woman forget her infant, so as not
to have pity on the son of her womb ? And
if she should forget, yet will not I forget
thee" (Is. xlix. 15). God has solemnly
promised to grant us whatsoever graces we
ask ; and, being almighty, He is able to grant
us all, and even far more than we can ask.
He is so willing to bestow His favors on us
that He complains of our not asking Him for
them: ^^Hitherto,'' He says, '^you have not
asked anything in My name; ask, and you shall
receive, that your joy may be full'' (John xvi.
24). God even commands us to ask Him for
His favors : Ask, and you shall receive."
As a pledge of His love for us, God has
gone so far as to give us His own beloved
Son. ^^He that spared not even His own
Vocal Prayer in Particular
95
Son/' says St. Paul, ^'but delivered Him up
for us all, how hath He not also with Him
given us all things (Rom. viii. 32.) ^^In
prayer/' says St. Anselm, "we speak with
God. How attentively and reverentially
should we speak with the Lord of lords !
How humbly with the Supreme Judge, and
how confidently with our best Friend and
Benefactor!" ^'We have every reason to
pray with confidence/' says St. Peter Chrys-
ologus; ^^for what will not God give to
those who ask Him, since He already gives
so much to those who do not ask Him?"
^^Our confidence," says St. Bernard, ^4s the
measure of the graces which we obtain in
prayer. If our confidence in God is great,
we shall receive great graces ; if it is little,
we shall receive but little." If God has
hitherto sparingly bestowed His graces on us,
it was owing in a great measure to our little
confidence in Him during prayer. Our prayer
must be persevering. ^^God," says St.
Gregory the Great, wishes us so to pray
to Him as to overcome Him by our impor-
tunities." He usually defers granting our
prayers, first, that we may the better prove
our confidence in Him by persevering in our
request ; secondly, that we may desire His
favors more earnestly and appreciate them so
96
Introductory Reflections
much the more ; and thirdly, that we may
not forget Him, for were He to grant at once
v/hat we ask, we should be liable not to pray
any more to Him until we want some other
favor. ''God defers hearing our prayers,"
says St. John Chrysostom, ''not because He
rejects them, but because He wishes to con-
trive to draw us to Him. Do not leave off
praying until you are heard.''
When He had taught the Our Father, our
divine Saviour related the following parable :
Which of you shall have a friend, and shall
go to him at midnight, and shall say to him :
Friend, lend me three loaves ; because a
friend of mine is com^e off his journey to me^
and I have not what to set before him. And
he from within should answer and say :
Trouble me not ; the door is now shut, and
my children are with me in bed ; I can not
rise and give thee. Yet, if he shall continue
knocking, I say to you, although he will not
rise and give him because he is his friend,
yet, because of his importunity, he will rise
and give him as many as he needeth. And
I say to you : Ask, and it shall be given you ;
seek, and you shall find ; knock, and it shall
be opened to you ; for every one that asketh,
receiveth ; and he that seeketh, findeth ; and
to him that knocketh, it shall be opened'^
Vocal Prayer in Particular 97
(Luke xi. 5-10). The greater and more in-
tense our desire to obtain a thing, the more
persistent we shall be in our efforts to secure it.
We have a beautiful illustration of this in
the Gospel. ''Jesus departed/' says the
Evangelist, ''into the confines of Tyre and
Sidon. And behold, a woman of Chanaan
w^ho came out of those parts said to Him :
Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, Thou Son of
David ; my daughter is grievously troubled
by a devil. But He answered her not a
word.'' But she was not discouraged, for
she followed Our Lord, persevering in her
prayer, so much so as to cause the apostles
displeasure by her importunity. "And His
disciples came and besought Him, saying :
Send her away, for she crieth after us. And
He answering, said : I was not sent but to
the sheep that are lost of the house of Israel."
But the woman persisted, for "she came and
worshiped Him, saying : Lord, help me.
But He answered and said : It is not good
to take the bread of the children, and to
cast it to the dogs.'' This severe rebuke of
Our Lord did not discourage her, for "she
said : Yea, Lord, for the whelps also eat of
the crumbs that fall fromi the table of their
masters." Her confidence and her earnest
perseverance in spite of so many rebuffs were
q8 Introductory Reflections
at last rewarded, for ''Jesus answering, said
to her : O woman, great is thy faith ; be it
done to thee as thou wilt. And her daughter
w^as cured from that hour" (Matt. xv. 21-28).
If we also persevere in prayer as she did, we
also shall be favorably heard by God in His
own good time.
A lack of perseverance in prayer argues a
lack of earnest desire. God, by deferring to
hear us, does not refuse our prayers, but will
even grant us far more than we ask. Speak-
ing on this subject, St. Jerome says: ''God,
knowing the weight and measure of His good-
ness, sometimes appears insensible to our
prayers, in order to try us, to urge us to pray
more earnestly, and to make us more holy
through constant prayer.'' ^
2. Docal prater as Distinct from /iRental
prai^er
Ejaculations — Untiulgmeti l^ragers
regard to vocal prayer, as distinct from
mental prayer. Father Girardey writes : ^
Although in itself vocal prayer is not so
excellent as mental prayer, we should, never-
^ From "Popular Instructions on Prayer," by Rev. Ferreol
Girardey, C.SS.R.
2 Vide " Popular Instructions on Prayer."
Vocal Prayer Distinct from Mental Prayer gg
theless, beware of underrating its usefulness
or necessity. All true Christians frequently
recite vocal prayers, such as the Our Father,
the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the acts
of faith, hope, charity, and contrition. The
Church prescribes vocal prayer very strictly
to her priests and her Religious, in the Mass,
in the liturgy, and in the Divine Office. She
has enriched many vocal prayers with nu-
merous indulgences, and has approved of
many prayer-books filled with prayers suited
to every want and devotion. Vocal prayer,
then, is both useful and necessary for all m_en
without exception — even for those who are
soaring in the heights of contemplation. In
reciting vocal prayers we should strive to
attend to the meaning of the words, appro-
priating it to ourselves with all possible fervor
and earnestness. A few short vocal prayers
well said are far more acceptable to God than
a great many long ones recited without atten-
tion or fervor.
'^One of the best forms of vocal prayer is
the frequent recitation during the day of
some favorite aspiration or ejaculatory prayer,
especially if we do so in time of trial and
temptation. This commendable practice
gradually imparts a habit of recollection, and-
renders all other prayers comparatively easy
loo Introductory Reflections
and free from distraction. We should, as far
as practicable, prefer reciting those vocal
prayers which the Church has enriched with
indulgences, for we thereby gain a twofold
advantage — the benefit of the beautiful and
devout prayers themselves, and the indul-
gences, which help us to acquit ourselves of
the great temporal debt which we have con-
tracted toward the divine justice on account of
our numerous sins. Or we may also apply said
indulgences, when so applicable, to the souls in
purgatory, who will be relieved thereby and
will not fail to intercede for us in our wants.
''It would be well to join, to a certain
extent, mental prayer with our vocal prayers,
for the merit of the latter would be thereby
greatly increased. We may do so in this wise.
During the recitation of our vocal prayers we
pause at short intervals to reflect either on
their meaning or on some supernatural truth ;
or, without at all pausing, we reflect thereon
while actually pronouncing the prayers with
our lips. The Rosary is the most common
and readily understood example of this man-
ner of praying. While we are reciting the
Our Father and the Hail Marys of each decade
of the Rosary, we meditate or reflect on some
mystery connected with the life of Jesus
Christ or of His blessed Mother.
Vocal Praver Distinct from Mental Prayer loi
It is also useful, in using the prayers of our
prayer-book, to read them slowly and deliber-
ately, making in the meantime practical re-
flections on their contents, or pausing from
time to time to meditate a little and apply
the words of the prayers to our own wants.
If we accustom ourselves to recite our vocal
prayers in this way, we shall not only make
them our own and pray well, but we shall
also acquire the habit of making mental
prayer, which tends to unite us more closely
to God, and. through the practical imitation
of our divine Saviour's virtues, to render us
conformable to Him.''
Necessttg of ^^iragcr
RAYER is a ladder which reaches to
heaven ; cling lirmly to it ; by this
means ascend to God. And if at times weari-
ness and aridity creep over you, shake off this
drowsiness and say to yourself: '^I have not
yet reached heaven ; one unfortunate m.o-
ment may prove my eternal perdition, there-
fore I must pray."
Impressed with this truth, you will be
more zealous in saying your morning prayers,
and throughout the day will more frequently
raise your mind to God ; you will never neglect
I02 Introductory Reflections
to attend public worship ; you will never lie
down to sleep without having in prayer be-
wailed the faults of the past day. Before all
things you must constantly beseech God to
bestow on you the gift of prayer and the
grace of final perseverance.
" ^p^EACH, Lord, Thy servant how to pray,
vJ To make my needs known unto Thee each day ;
Then, when my heart is raised to Thee on high,
Grant me to feel that Thou art truly nigh."
With Keble say:
r^^^^' ^ L^^d, in Thy dear love
Fit us for perfect rest above ;
And help us this and every day
To live more nearly as we pray.''
What Are the Graces We Shotdd Pray for and
for Whom Should We Pray ?
^T. Alphonsus Liguori insists repeatedly
that in all our devotions, at Mass, at holy
communion, in all our visits to the Blessed
Sacrament, we should pray for these four
graces for ourselves, viz.: the forgiveness of
our sins, the love of God, the love of prayer,
and final perseverance. When these graces
are secured our salvation is assured.
As loyal Catholics we should also pray ac-
Vocal Prayer Distinct from Mental Prayer 103
cording to the intentions of our Holy Father
the Pope; for his welfare and for the needs
and interests of our Holy Mother the Church ;
for bishops, priests, and superiors ; for our
country ; for universal peace ; for the con-
version of sinners, heretics, and pagans ; and
last but not least for the poor holy souls in
purgatory.
As we read in the treatise on ^'Prayer''
quoted above : In praying for temporal favors
for ourselves, we can claim unconditionally
only the necessaries of life ; in the Our Father
we are taught to pray for ^ our daily bread ' ;
this does not include superfluities or luxuries ;
and the words ^deliver us from evir do not
necessarily include, as we have seen, deliver-
ance from physical evils, for the evil here
meant is sin and all that leads to sin. We
have no reason to hope that God will hear
our prayers for those temporal favors that
may prove hurtful to our salvation, or that
He will exempt us from certain corporal pains
and trials, if such an exemption would lead
us to sin or endanger our salvation. The
granting of such prayers would be, not a favor,
but a terrible punishment. We should, then,
ask for temporal favors conditionally — that
is, under the condition that they may pro-
mote our salvation, or at least not hinder it.
I04 Introductory Reflections
Let us not be so solicitous for temporal
favors, which, after all, may prove hurtful
to our soul, but let us rather pray for what is
conducive to our eternal welfare. When we
pray for temporals, and God, in His mercy,
refuses them to us, it is because they would
prove hurtful to us. ^But,' says St. Gregory
of Nazianzen, ^he who asks God for a real
favor (that is, for a favor that is necessary or
useful for his salvation), obtains it, for God
is bountiful and generous, and readily bestows
His gifts.' ^When you pray,' says St. Am-
brose, ^ ask for great things ; ask not for what
is transitory, but for what is eternal.' ^We
should pray,' says St. Augustine, ^in the
name and through the merits of Jesus Christ.
When, however, we pray for what is injurious
to our soul, we do not pray in the name of
Our Redeemer. In praying for temporals we
should be moderate and timid, asking God
to give them to us provided they are really
beneficial, and to withhold them if they should
prove hurtful. Many, when they pray, in-
voke God, but not as God, for the object of
their prayer is opposed to His glory and favor-
able to their passions. They seem to con-
sider God as a mere servant of themselves and
of their passions, such as pride, covetousness,
and lust. Let us pray, not for temporals.
Vocal Prayer Distinct from Mental Prayer 105
but for heavenly glory and the means of
attaining it. The most precious and excel-
lent of temporal things are but insignificant
trifles in comparison to what is eternal.*
When our prayers for temporal favors,
either for ourselves or in behalf of others, are
not granted, we should consider God's refusal
a real benefit rather than a misfortune. In
beseeching God for temporals, we should be
indifi'erent as to the result of our prayers,
being equally ready to accept a refusal or a
favorable hearing from Him. If such should
be our dispositions, God, when refusing our
request, will not fail to compensate us by
bestowing on us m_ore excellent favors which
we do not think of asking. ^'In vain does a
child cry for a sword or a live coal,^' remarks
St. John Chrysostom; ^'his parents justly
refuse him what may prove very hurtful to
him. In like manner God justly and kindly
refuses us what is injurious to us ; but, in His
goodness, He will give us something better
instead. Let us in all our prayers aim prin-
cipally at the salvation of our soul, and we
shall obtain also temporal favors from God,
according to this saying of our loving Re-
deemer: '^Seek ye therefore first the king-
dom of God and His justice, and all these
things shall be added unto you" (Matt. vi. 33).
io6 Introductory Reflections
For whom should we pray? We should,
first of all, pray for ourselves, because our
salvation is our first and most important duty.
Although, by the law of charity, we are bound
to pray for all men, there are, nevertheless,
some for whom we have a special obligation
or special reasons to pray. Children should
daily pray for their parents, parents for their
children, members of the same family and
household or community for one another,
inferiors for their superiors, both ecclesias-
tical and civil, and superiors for their in-
feriors. It is also incumbent on us to pray
for our benefactors, both spiritual and tem-
poral, for our relatives, for those who ask
our prayers, and who pray for us, for our
friends, and for our enemies also, whosoever
they may be or whatever evil they may have
done or may wish us. We ought, likewise,
to pray for the perseverance of the just and
for the conversion of sinners, of heretics,
schismatics, Jews, and unbelievers. It is a
most praiseworthy custom to pray for the
sick, for those who are in their agony, for all
who are in danger of death, or in danger of
losing their innocence, and for all who are
in distress, pain, trouble, or sorrow.
It behooves us daily to remember in our
prayers the Souls in Purgatory , particularly
Mental Prayer or Meditation
107
the souls toward whom we have some special
obligation, e,g., the souls of our parents^ of
our benefactors, of those who are suffering
on our account. We should endeavor to
gain many indulgences for their benefit. If,
during our life, w^e pray for them, God will,
after our death, inspire compassionate souls
to pray for us w^hen wx are in purgatory, for,
says our divine Saviour, ^Svith what measure
you mete, it shall be measured to you again''
(Matt. vii. 2).
3- Cental prater or /flbeDltatton
Raise Your Heart to God
Vii I'E .AJiE traveling to an unknown land,
^^^^ to the land of eternity, let us hope, of
endless delight. Our life on earth is a voyage
to that country. The mistake into which many
fall is that they make the journey to eter-
nity in so thoughtless a fashion. You must
beware of this folly. Therefore I exhort you
to raise your heart to God daily, by means
of serious reflection, by means of meditation
or mental prayer.
You must already have remarked the wide
difference which frequently exists among Chris-
tians who dwell beneath tlie same roof tree, and
io8 Introductory Reflections
form but one family. Unfortunately, one not
seldom finds in the present day Christians who
commit sin boldly, and even with a sort of
pride ; but there are, thank God, other Chris-
tians, who dread nothing so much as sin.
Whence arises this difference ? In the case
of the latter, from the practice of mental
prayer, in that of the former, from the thought-
less manner in which they live their daily life,
and never reflect upon higher and eternal
things. Truly it is not to be wondered at if
a mian who lives in this manner veers about
like a weathercock with every wind that blows.
He does not live quite like a Christian, nor
quite like a heathen ; he indeed believes in
heaven and hell, but in a cold and careless
manner.
How does it happen, on the other hand,
that the true, earnest Christian stands as firm
amid evil examples as an oak which has
braved a hundred winters? Let us discover
his secret, a secret more valuable by far than
the secret of the alchemist. The true Chris-
tian also has his temptations ; he has to fight
with his own concupiscence, with the world,
with the devil. But he is not careless and
thoughtless ; on the contrary, he is watchful
and serious ; in prayer he meditates upon
religious truths and by the grace of God his
Mental Prayer or Meditation 109
faith becomes fervent and lively, so that lie
does not fall into grievous sin. but makes
steady progress in the way of perfection.
The bad and thoughtless Christian, on the
other hand, boasts that he believes like any
good Christian, but he does not live up to his
profession. For this reason one of the saints
used to say : "In my opinion, these bad Chris-
tians ought to be contined in an asylum for
idiots ; for how can a sensible, reasonable man
believe in heaven and heh. and yet go on
sinning ? ' '
St. Alphonsus Liguori says in his "Devout
Reflections " : ^
"We are not created for this earth. The
end for which God has placed us in the world
is this, that by our good works we may merit
eternal hfe. 'The end is life everlasting'
("Rom. vi. 22). And therefore St. Eucherius
used to say that the only affair that we should
attend to in this life is eternity ; that is. to
gain for ourselves a happ}' eternity, and escape
a miserable one. 'The business for which we
work is eternity." If we make sure of success
in this business, we shall be happy forever :
if we fail in it. we shall be forever miserable.
"Happy he who lives with eternity always
^''Devout Reilection? on Vanous Subjects. " translated from
the Italian b\- P. Edm^and Vaughan, C.SS.R
no Introductory Reflections
in view, with a lively faith that he must shortly
die, and enter into eternity. 'The just man
liveth by faith/ says the Apostle (Gal. iii.
ii). It is faith that makes the just live in
the grace of God, and that gives life to their
souls, by detaching them from earthly affec-
tions, and reminding them of the eternal goods
which God holds out to those who love Him.
''St. Teresa used to say that all sins had
their origin in a want of faith. Therefore, in
order to overcome our passions and tempta-
tions, we must frequently revive our faith by
saying : ' I believe in the life everlasting. I
believe that after this life, which for me will
quickly finish, there is an eternal life, either
full of delights, or full of torments, which will
be my lot, according to my merits or demerits.'
Raise your heart to God by meditation,
by mental prayer. Only in this way will your
hope^ as well as your faith^ be maintained and
kept from degenerating into presumption or
despair.
The sinner often resembles the ostrich
which lives in the sandy deserts of Africa.
When it is pursued it buries its head in the
deep sand, that it may not perceive its pursuer,
and imagines itself to be unseen ; all too late
it discovers its mistake, when the fatal bullet
has inflicted a mortal wound. After a similar
Mental Prayer or Meditation 1 1 1
fashion do sinners act. They reflect not upon
the mighty hunter, Death, and refuse to think
of him ; but this does not prevent him from
coming, and his cruel arrow fails not to reach
its mark. How terrible a thing it is thus to
trifle with death !
Wherefore, raise your heart to God, raise
it frequently to Him, every morning and eve-
ning at least ! Raise your heart to God in the
morning, by making a firm resolution to avoid
this or that besetting sin and to overcome your
predominant passion. Raise it to God in the
evening, by repenting of your sins, by medi-
tating on death, judgment, heaven and hell,
and by resolving to lead a more holy, a more
virtuous life. Pray every night for the grace
of perseverance.
Keep yourself all through the day in the
presence of God. St. Basil says: ^^If you
wish to find a short and compendious method,
which contains in itself all other means, and is
most efficacious for overcoming every tempta-
tion and difficulty, and for acquiring perfec-
tion, it is the exercise of the presence of God.''
St. Bonaventure declares: ^^In the midst
of our employments we ought to have God
present to our minds, in imitation of the holy
angels who, when they are sent to attend on
us, so acquit themselves of the functions of
112 Introductory Reflections
this exterior ministry, as never to be drawn
from their interior attention to God.''
In the words of St. Augustine, ^^God sees
thee ; go in v^^here thou wilt, He sees thee ;
Kght thy lamp, He sees thee ; quench its light,
He sees thee. Fear Him Who ever beholds
thee. If thou wilt sin, seek a place where He
can not see thee, and then do what thou wilt."
And again St. Basil exclaims: ''Who shall
dare, in presence of his prince, to do what
displeases that prince?"
The Royal Psalmist says: ''I remembered
the days of old, I meditated on all Thy works :
I mused upon the works of Thy hands.
Make the way known to me (0 Lord) , wherein
I should walk ; for I have lifted up my soul
to Thee" (Ps. cxlii. 5, 8).
As we read in The Crown of Jesus " : ''We
can m^editate when we sit in the house ; when
we walk on the way ; when we lie down ; when
we rise up. We can meditate by considering
all earthly things as types of holy truths. In
trees, the wood of the cross, our Redemption ;
in dust, our origin. In the sky, heaven our
reward. In the stars, the heavenly mansions
of those who by their glorious deeds have
brought many to justice. In the moon, the
Queen of heaven. In the sun, the Son of
justice. In the sea, the ocean of eternity.
Mental Prayer or Meditation
113
In the waves, the progress of time. In the
seashore covered with the waters, our mor-
taHty. In the footmarks on the sand erased,
fame. In the sudden darkness, mortal sin.
In the bright hght, God's grace. In the gentle
wind, the breath of the Holy Ghost the Com-
forter. In bread, the Blessed Sacrament,
the true Bread of hfe. In water, the cleans-
ing grace of baptism. In oil. the anointing of
the young and of the sick. In the sound of
the clock, the irrevocable progress of time.
-^^We can meditate by adoring the presence
of God all around us. as we walk in the midst
of Him, or as causing by His Presence in each
object we behold, its continued existence and
its qualities of good. We can adore God in
the center of our heart, dwelling there as in
a temple, and by a spiritual union uniting to
Himself the soul in grace.
^'We meditate by reading slowly, devoutly,
a spiritual book, with pious affections and
practical resolutions. We meditate by con-
templating with true dispositions the image
of the crucifix, or the tabernacle over the altar
where, in His sacramental presence, our
sweetest Jesus reposes. We meditate by
hearing the holy ]Mass, uniting ourselves with
Jesus in His sacrifice. We meditate while we
devoutly make the stations of the cross, or
114 Introductory Reflections
recite the holy Rosary in honor of the mys-
teries of the life of Our Lord and the Blessed
Virgin Mary. We meditate when we in-
teriorly consider and apply to our souFs need
each petition of the Pater, or other prayer.
We meditate when we reverently contemplate
in others the type of God's mercy or power/'
The soul that practises meditation, accord-
ing to the Royal Prophet, is like a tree planted
by the running water. It flourishes and
brings forth fruit in due time. ^'Blessed is
the man who hath not walked in the counsel
of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the chair of pestilence. But his
will is in the law of the Lord, and on His law
he shall meditate day and night. And he
shall be like a tree which is planted near the
running waters, which shall bring forth its
fruit in due season. And his leaf shall not
fall off : and all whatsoever he shall do, shall
prosper'' (Ps. i. 1-3). Let us mark the words :
^'It brings forth its fruit in due time," which
means at the time that he has some trial,
some sorrow, some contempt to endure. St.
Chrysostom compares meditation to a foun-
tain gushing in the midst of a garden. Just
as a garden that is freely watered brings forth
an abundance of flowers and foliage, so does
the soul that meditates present to the eyes of
Mental Prayer or Meditation
IIS
God the pleasing sight of ever increasing
virtues. Her holy desires and aspirations are
constantly ascending like a sweet odor to
heaven. But whence has she received the
first seeds of good ? From meditation, which
daily sheds fruitful dew on her heart. ^'Thy
plants are a paradise of pomegranates with
the fruits of the orchard. . . . The fountain
of gardens, the well of living waters, which
run with a strong stream from Libanus'^
(Cant. iv. 13, 15). If the fountains of the
garden were to dry up, the flowers and foliage
would soon wither for lack of water.
So it is with the soul. As long as it medi-
tates, we find in it charity, modesty, humility,
and mortification. But let mental prayer be
neglected, and vanity, frivolity, love of ease
and worldly pleasures, want of recollection and
devotion, neglect of mortification — all these
are the result. Water is wanting, the spirit
is dried up. ^'My soul is as earth without
water unto Thee" (Ps. cxlii. 6). The poor
soul has forsaken mental prayer, and the gar-
den of her heart is parched. It grows drier
and harder day by day. St. Chrysostom
looks upon such a soul as not only sick, but
even lifeless. ^^He who no longer prays to
God,'' he says, ^'who no longer desires con-
stant communion with Him, is dead." When
ii6 Introductory Reflections
the soul ceases to kneel in prayer before God,
she dies.
St. Ignatius of Loyola says, Meditation
is the shortest road to perfection.'^ He who
makes great progress in mental prayer makes
great progress, also, in perfection. It is in
the time of meditation that the soul is re-
plenished with holy thoughts, devout aspira-
tions and desires, good resolutions, and most
fervent love of God.
'Tj ! ORD, Thou hast made this wondrous soul
^ All for Thyself alone ;
Ah, send Thy sweet transforming grace
To make it more Thine own !
4- Mow to practiee /llbental ©ra^er
''In my meditation a fire shall flame out" (Ps.
xxxviii. 4).
AKE at least a short meditation every day. Men-
tal prayer is a more appropriate and compre-
hensive term for that spiritual exercise which is so
highly praised and commended by the saints and so
conducive to holiness and perfection.
Mental prayer is within the reach of all who ear-
nestly desire their salvation. Father Wilberforce says :
'' In order to pray with fruit and without distraction
it is most useful and almost necessary to spend some
time in meditation or pious reflection on some super-
natural truth, and from this fact the whole exercise is
often called meditation instead of mental prayer.
How to Practise Mental Prayer 117
^' In mental prayer meditation (the exercise of the
intellect) is only a means to the end, which is the
elevation of the soul to God — conversation with
God. When thinking and reflecting the soul speaks
to itself, reasons with itself ; in prayer that follows
it speaks to God.'' It is plain that mental prayer or
meditation is something more than mere spiritual
reading.
But WT can easily turn our spiritual reading into a
meditation, as, for instance, when we read only a
few hnes at a time from The Following of Christ
then meditate, reflect, consider our own conduct
in connection with the subject treated, make devout
acts and pious resolutions, and finally pray to God
for His grace that we may conquer our wicked inclina-
tions, practise some particular virtue, and lead a holy
life. After this we can read a few more lines ; then
meditate again.
Bishop Challoner in his translation of The Follow-
ing of Christ" or ^'The Imitation of Christ," as this
golden book is sometimes caUed, has added some ex-
cellent practical reflections at the end of each chapter.
" Meditation," as Madame Ceciha says in her
admirable work, At the Feet of Jesus," ''consists in
occupying ourselves mentally and prayerfully with
some mystery of the Faith. We call to mind the chief
facts, ponder over them, and then stir up our will
to regulate our conduct in consequence. Hence
meditation is an exercise of the faculties of our soul —
memory, understanding, and will.^^
''Meditation, as a part of oriental prayer,^' says St.
Francis of Sales, ''is an attentive thought voluntarily
repeated or entertained in the mind to excite the will
to holy and salutary affections and resolutions.^^ It
differs from mere study in its object. We study to im-
ii8 Introductory Reflections
prove our minds and to store up information ; we
meditate to move the will to pray and to embrace
what is good. We study that we may know ; we medi-
tate that we may pray.
''In mental prayer/' says St. Alphonsus, "medi-
tation is the needle, which only passes through that
it may draw after it the golden thread, which is com-
posed of affections, resolutions, and petitions."
As soon as you feel an impulse to pray while medi-
tating, give way to it at once in the best way you can,
by devout acts and petitions ; in other words, begin
your conversation with God on the subject about
which you have been thinking.
In order to help the mind in this pious exercise we
must have some definite subject of thought upon
which it is well to read either a text of Holy Scripture
or a few lines out of some other holy book ; for in-
stance, ^' The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,
The Following of Christ," " The Spiritual Combat; ^'
Challoner's "Think Well On't;" St. Alphonsus
Liguori's " Devout Reflections," or " The Way of Sal-
vation," "The Love of Christ," and "The Blessed
Eucharist;" St. Francis of Sales' "Introduction
to a Devout Life," Meditations for Retreats," and
other works ; Bishop Hedley's "Retreat;" Cochem's
"Meditations on the Four Last Things;" Baxter's
" Meditations for Every Day in the Year; " or any one
of the popular books of meditation used by Religious,
such as Hamon's, De Brandt's, Segneri's, Vercruysse's,
and Ilg's " Meditations on the Life and Passion of Our
Lord." Father Gallwey's " Watches of the Passion,"
and Da Bergamo's " Thoughts and Affections on the
Passion" are worthy of the highest commendation.
St. Alphonsus says: "It is good to meditate upon
the last things — death, judgment, eternity — but let
How to Practise Mental Prayer
119
us above all meditate upon the Passion of Christ."
This saint, the great "Doctor of prayer," has given us
a beautiful work on ' ' The Passion. ' '
St. Teresa tells us that in her meditations she
helped herself with a book for seventeen years. By
reading the points of a meditation from a book, the
mind is rendered attentive and is set on a train of
thought. Further to help the mind you can ask your-
self some such questions as the following : What does
this mean ? What lesson does it teach me ? What
has been my conduct regarding this matter ? What
have I done, what shall I do, and how shall I do it ?
What particular virtue must I practise ? But do not
forget to pray.
Do not imagine, moreover, that it is necessary to
wait for a great hre to flame up in your soul, but cher-
ish the little spark that you have got. Above all,
never give way to the mistaken notion that you must
restrain yourself from prayer in order to go through
all the thoughts suggested by your book, or because
your prayer does not appear to have a close connection
with the subject of your meditation. This would
simply be to turn from God to your own thoughts or
to those of some other man.
To meditate means in general nothing else than to
reflect seriously on some subject. ^Meditation, as
mental prayer, is a serious reflection on some religious
truth or event, with reference and application to
ourselves, in order thereby to excite in us certain
pious sentiments, such as contrition, humility, faith,
hope, charity, etc., and to move our will to form good
resolutions conformable to these pious sentiments.
Such an exercise has naturally a beneflcial influence
on our soul and greatly conduces to enlighten our mind
and to move our will to practise virtue.
I20 Introductory Reflections
Meditation is a great means to salvation. It aids
us powerfully in the pursuit of our destiny, to know
God, to love Him, to serve Him that we may be
happy with Him forever; it helps us to know our-
selves and to discover the means of avoiding and
correcting our vices, our faults, and weaknesses; it
reveals to us the dangers to which our salvation is
exposed and leads us to pray with a contrite and
humble heart for the necessary graces to cope with
temptations, to control our passions, and to lead a
holy Hfe. Mental prayer inflames our hearts with the
love of God and strengthens us to do His holy will
with zeal and perseverance.
As regards the place of meditation, St. Alphonsus
says :
We can meditate in every place, at home or else-
where, even in walking and at our work. How many
are there who, not having any better opportunity,
raise their hearts to God and apply their minds to
mental prayer, without leaving their occupations, their
work, or who meditate even while traveling. He who
seeks God will find Him, everywhere and at all times.
The most appropriate place for meditation, however,
is the church, in the presence of Jesus Christ in the
Blessed Sacrament."
''Not a few pious persons," says Father Girardey in
his '' Popular Instructions on Prayer, " "before setting
out for their daily occupations, go to Mass in the early
hours of the morning, make their meditation during
the Holy Sacrifice, and thus draw on themselves the
divine blessing for the whole day.
''As regards the time of meditation, it would be well
if we were to make a meditation both in the morning
and in the evening. If this is not feasible, we should,
if convenient, prefer the morning to any other part of
How to Practise Mental Prayer 121
the day. The reason is because in the morning we are
fresh in mind and have as yet hardly any cause for dis-
tractions, while later in the day we are apt to be more
or less absorbed by our occupations and other worldly
matters. Moreover, by a good meditation in the
morning we begin the day well, drawing dow^n God's
blessing on us, and deriving grace and strength to
avoid sin and fulfil our obligations. When we make
our meditation in the morning, we ought to prepare
its subject on the previous night before retiring to rest,
and make thereon some brief reflections before falling
asleep, and also after rising in the morning. We
ought, moreover, to recall our meditation to mind
from time to time during the day, recommending our
resolution to the Blessed Virgin by a Hail Mary.
''We should endeavor to spend at least a quarter
of an hour daily in mental prayer. The saints used
daily to spend many hours therein; and when they
had much to do they would subtract some hours from
the time allotted to their sleep, in order to devote
them to this holy exercise. If we can not spend in it
half an hour every day, let us at least devote to it a
quarter of an hour. The longer and the more fervent
our mental prayer, the more we shall like it, and we
shall learn by our own experience the truth of the say-
ing of the Royal Prophet : ' Taste and see that the
Lord is sweet ' (Ps. xxxiii. 9).
''Pope Benedict XIV grants to all the faithful
making mental prayer devoutly for a whole month
for half an hour, or at least a quarter of an hour every
day, a plenary indulgence, if, truly penitent, after con-
fession and holy communion, they devoutly pray for
the intentions of the Church. This indulgence is ap-
plicable to the souls in purgatory.
"As to our petitions and resolutions, in mental
122 Introductory Reflections
prayer it is very profitable, and perhaps more useful
than any other act, to address repeated petitions to
God, asking with great humility and unbounded con-
fidence for His graces — such as His light, resignation
in adversity, patience, perseverance, etc., but, above
all, for the inestimable gift of His holy love. ' By
obtaining divine love,' says St. Francis of Sales, ' we
obtain all graces;' 'For,' says St. Alphonsus, 'he
who truly loves God with all his heart, will, of himself,
abstain from causing Him the least displeasure, and
will strive to please Him to the best of his ability.'
If we feel dry or despondent and unable to meditate
or pray well, let us repeat many times as earnestly as
possible : ' My Jesus, mercy! ' ' Lord, for Thy mer-
cy's sake, assist me ! ' ' My God, I love Thee !'
''Let us offer all our petitions for grace in the
name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, and we
shall surely obtain all that we ask. ' Mental prayer,'
said a holy soul, ' is the breathing of the soul, as in
corporal breathing the air is first inhaled and then ex-
haled, so in mental prayer the soul first receives light
and other graces from God, and then by acts of self-
offering and love, it gives itself wholly to Him.'
"Before concluding the meditation, we should
make some specified good resolution, appropriate
as far as possible to the subject of our meditation.
This resolution should be directed to the shunning of
some sin, or of some occasion of sin, to the correction
of some defect, or to the practice of some act of vir-
tue during the day.
"The preparation of our meditation consists of (i)
an act oi faith in the presence of God, and of adoration;
(2) an act of humility and of contrition, and (3) an
act of petition for light. We should then recommend
ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary by reciting a
Prayer for Meditation
123
Hail Mary, and also to St. Joseph, to our Guardian
Angel, and to our holy patrons. These acts should be
brief but very earnest and fervent.
''The conclusion of our meditation consists of these
three acts : (i) thanksgiving to God for the light He
imparted to us ; (2) purposing to fulfil our good reso-
lutions at once ; and (3) beseeching the eternal
Father, for the love of Jesus and Mary, to grant us the
grace and strength to put them into practice. Before
finishing our meditation let us never omit to recom-
mend to God the souls in purgatory and poor sinners.
In concluding our mental prayer let us. after the advice
of St. Francis of Sales, pick out a thought or an affec-
tion from our mental prayer, in order to reflect on it
or repeat it from time to time during the day.'^
prater tor /nve^itation^
Preparatory Prayer
ACT OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE
|T^Y God, I firmly beheve that Thou art every-
-V*-^ where present and seest all things. Thou
seest my nothingness, my inconstancy, my sinfulness.
Thou seest me in all my actions ; Thou seest me in this
my meditation. I bow down before Thee, and wor-
ship Thy divine majesty with my whole being.
Cleanse my heart from all vain, wicked, and distracting
thoughts. EnHghten my understanding, and in-
flame my will, that I may pray with reverence, atten-
tion, and devotion.
^ From Madame Cecilia's "Retreat Manual."
124 Introductory Reflections
Prayer
OGoD, my Lord and my Creator, look graciously
on Thy child, the work of Thy hands, and merci-
fully grant me the help of Thy grace, that all my in-
tentions and acts during this meditation may be di-
rected purely to the service and praise of Thy divine
majesty, through Christ our Lord.
OFFERING OF THE RESOLUTIONS
Y God, I offer Thee these resolutions; unless
Thou deignest to bless them, I can not be faith-
ful to them. From Thy goodness, then, I hope to
obtain this blessing which I ask of Thee in the
name and through the merits of Jesus, my divine
Saviour.
Holy Virgin, Mother of my God, who art also my
Mother, my good angel, and my holy patron saint,
obtain for me the grace to keep these resolutions with
perfect fidelity.
5* Biaculator^ ]pra^er6
IT WOULD be well if every breath could be a loving
sigh to God, and if every moment could be filled
with the thought of God. If this can not be, form
a habit of recol],ecting yourself from time to time ;
the more frequently the better. Let the striking
of the hour be a signal for recalling the presence
of God. Accustomi yourself to the easy and fre-
quent use of ejaculatory prayers. We need but to
love in order to pray and to sigh for God. These
outpourings of the heart proceed from the Holy
The Apostleship of Prayer 125
Spirit ; they are a language of love readily understood
by this God of love. We naturally think of what we
love ; hence we can not say we love God if we rarely
or never think of Him.
''Aspire to God," says St. Francis of Sales, with
short but frequent outpourings of the heart.
'' As those who are influenced by human and nat-
ural love have their minds and hearts constantly fixed
on the objects of their affections ; as they speak often
in their praise, and when absent lose no opportunity of
expressing by letters this affection for them, and can
not even pass a tree without inscribing on the bark the
name of their beloved ; so those who are possessed of
divine love have their minds and hearts constantly
turned toward the divine object of their love ; they
are ever thinking of Him, they long after Him ; they
aspire to Him, and frequently speak of Him ; and
were it possible, would engrave in the hearts of all
mankind the name of their beloved Jesus."
Make use of short indulgenced prayers. Ejaculations
approved by the Church are certainly most com-
mendable.
Lift, 0 Christian, lift thine eyes
To thy home beyond the skies ;
Eternal bliss avv^aits thee there
With which earth's joys can not compare.
6- BpoBtleabip ot ipra^ec
^'We must always pray, and not faint"
(Luke xviii. i).
^'Pray without ceasintg " (i Tliess. v. 17).
126 Introductory Reflections
>q^HE League of the Sacred Heart is the
proper name of the Apostleship of
Prayer'^ as an association. Its associates
league together in certain easy but strong de-
votions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus^ to obtain
His Intentions, and their own, thus practis-
ing an ^^Apostleship of Prayer/' with mutual
share in merits. It numbers 30,000,000
associates in all parts of the world, in-
cluding nearly all Religious Orders. Its
motto is Thy Kingdom Come.
Its devotions are the Three Degrees.
First Degree : Every morning offer your
prayers, works, and sufferings to the Sacred
Heart. It may be done in your own words.
Nothing more is required of the members.
Those whose zeal prompts them to do more
may also practise the devotions of the second
and third degrees, and gain thereby many
indulgences.
Practice of the Second Degree : Members
join Rosary Bands, and say daily one decade
of the Rosary, viz.: one Our Father, ten
Hail Marys, and one Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Practice of the Third Degree : Members
offer a monthly or weekly Communion of
Reparation for sins against Our Lord in the
holy Sacrament of the Altar.
The Apostleship of Prayer 127
I. Each associate's name must be reg-
istered at a local center. Apply to any Jes-
uit Father or to your parish priests.
II. Each associate receives a certificate of
admission.
Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer
^\ MY God, I offer Thee my prayers, works,
and sufferings this day in union with the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for
which He pleads and offers Himself in holy
Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors, in rep-
aration for our oft'enses, and for the peti-
tions of all our associates ; especially this
month for the particular intention of the
Apostleship of Prayer.
or:
Jesus, through the immaculate heart of
Mary, I offer Thee my prayers, works, and
sufferings of this day for all the intentions of
Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the intentions of all our associates and in
particular for the intention recommended by
our Holy Father, the Pope.
You know now that as members of the
League of the Sacred Heart only one duty is
imposed on you, viz.^ to make the Morning
128 Introductory Reflections
Offering. This may be done while you are
walking from one room into another. It
takes none of your time, it costs no money,
it gives no pain. It requires only an act of
your will. But you share every day in the
prayers and good works of 30,000,000 as-
sociates, and of nearly all the Religious
Orders in the world. You gain numerous in-
dulgences, thereby satisfying for temporal
punishments that may be due on account of
your sins and omissions, and saving yourself
from a longer purgatory. By these indulgences
you may also help your friends and other
poor souls who have gone before you into the
next world, and who will in gratitude become
your intercessors forever. You may keep
away afflictions and trials that may be now
in store for you on accoimt of your luke-
warmness. You will surely receive from
God more abundant spiritual and temporal
blessings.
''This devotion of the Morning Offering/'
says Father Rickaby, S.J.,^ ''rests on the
main and essential principles of Christianity;
namely, that in Christ we have access to the
Father (Eph. ii. 18) ; that there is no salvation
in any other, no other name under heaven
given to man, whereby we are to be saved
1 Father Rickaby, S.J., "Ye are Christ's."
The Apostleskip of Prayer 129
(Acts iv. 12) ; that this salvation was wrought
out by the death of Christ on the cross, who
made peace through the blood of His cross,
blotted out the handwriting that was against
us, and took it away, nailing it to the cross
(Col. i. 20 ; ii. 14) ; that this redeeming sac-
rifice and death of Our Saviour is continually
shown forth and re-enacted in His own very
body and blood, made present at the con-
secration in holy Mass (i Cor. xi. 24 ; Luke
xxii. 19).
^^Many things Our Lord intends and wills
only conditionally if men co-operate with Him.
Thus He does not intend to convert the
Chinese, unless missionaries go to China.
Prayers are a sort of missionaries. Many
souls will be converted if they are well prayed
for, and not otherwise. But the most effica-
cious prayer is that which goes up in closest
union with Christ crucified, pleading in
sacrifice for us. Christ crucified thus pleads
in every Mass. In every Mass, as the Church
says, ^the memory of His Passion is cele-
brated anew.' I can not spend my day in
hearing Mass, traveling from altar to altar.
It is not God's purpose that I should do that.
But the Morning Offering of the Apostleship
of Prayer, as sanctioned by the Holy See,
puts me in relation with every Mass that is
130 Introductory Reflections
said that day, and lays upon every Christian
altar my work and my play, my words and
thoughts, my pains and sorrows, my delights
and joys, and every conscious action of my
will — always excepting that which is sinful,
and so unacceptable, incapable of entering
into holy union with the oblation of the body
and blood of my Saviour. When I lie down
to rest at night, I may ask myself: ^Of all
that I have done to-day, of all my goings and
comings, what shall endure to my eternal
good ? What have I laid up in the form of
treasure for heaven ? ' And, provided I have
spent the day in the state of grace I may
answer : ' All and every one of my deliberate
acts of will that were right in themselves, and,
very signally and specially, all that has
received the consecration of my Morning
Offering/ Of my strivings after the good
things of this life, some will succeed, others
will fail : but alike in success and failure,
practising the Apostleship of Prayer, I may
take to myself the Apostle's consoling words :
^Be ye steadfast and immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing
that your labor is not vain in the Lord'"
(i Cor. XV. 58).
Continual Prayer
131
7. Continual ©ra^cr
PROPOS of the Apostleship of Prayer, a
few words on continual prayer will not
be out of place. The Gospel says : '' We must
always pray and not faint,'' and St. Paul ex-
horts us 'Ho pray without ceasing.'' What
does this mean ? The Gospel seems to en-
join continual prayer. How can we "pray
without ceasing"? We can not be always
engaged in either vocal or oriental prayer.
Father Grou, S.J., has a chapter on this sub-
ject in his book "How to Pray." He says:
''The words of the Gospel ought to have
opened our eyes to see the necessity of an-
other kind of prayer, which is of such a nature
that every Christian can apply himself to it
continually. And what is this prayer ? It is
the essential, the most absolutely necessary
part of prayer, that which alone draws God's
attention on us, that which gives value to all
the rest ; in one word, it is the prayer of the
heart. This can be made without any in-
terruption. Xo other can. So it is evi-
dently this that is of precept, and there is
no need of making any restriction of which the
words do not seem to admit. It is the prayer
of the heart, unknown to the Jews, for which
Jesus Christ upbraids them, and that God
132 Introductory Reflections
through His prophet foretold should be the
privilege of the New Law: 'In that day/
says He, 'I will pour out upon the house of
David, and upon the inhabitants of Jeru-
salem the spirit of grace and of prayer' (Zach.
xii. 10), a spirit of grace that will urge them
to pray without ceasing, and a spirit of prayer
that will incessantly draw down on them
fresh graces ; a double spirit that will keep
up a constant communication between our
heavenly Father and His children. It is this
prayer of the heart to which the apostle St.
Paul alludes when he exhorts the faithful to
'pray without ceasing' (i Thess. v. 17), and
when he assures them that he continually
remembered them in his prayers.
''It is just as easy and quite as natural to
the heart to pray without ceasing, as to love
always. We can always love God, though
we are not always thinking of Him nor always
telling Him we love Him. It suffices that we
should be resolved at all times, not only never
to do anything contrary to this love, but
ready to give to God, on every occasion, proof
of this by actions inspired by grace. Is it not
thus that a mother loves her children, a wife
her husband, a friend his friend ? The
cherished object never comes to our mind
without calling forth a fieeling of love; we
Continual Prayer
133
would like never to lose sight of it, and if the
mind is at times drawn off by other objects,
the heart never is. Just so is it with prayer.
We have the merit to be always praying when
we wish so to be, when at every moment we
are ready to follow the movements of grace.
It would be quite a mistake to imagine that
the avocations of life are an obstacle to this
prayer. On the contrary, they are, or at
least may be, an exercise of it, and there is a
prayer that is correctly called the prayer of
action. Every action done for God, as being
His will, and in the way in which God wills,
is a prayer, better even than an actual prayer
that might be made at this time. It is not
even necessary that the action be good and
holy in itself ; an indifferent act is no less a
prayer in virtue of the intention with which
we do it. Thus the Apostle virtually enjoins
the faithful to pray always when he says :
^All whatsoever you do in word or in work,
all things do you in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father
by Him' (Col. iii. 17). And again : 'Whether
you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do,
do all to the glory of God' (i Cor. x. 31). We
are always praying, if we are doing our duty,
and are doing it to please God.
''As there is a prayer of action, so is there
134 Introductory Reflections
also a prayer of suffering, and this is the most
excellent and pleasing to God. It is a very
common thing for us to complain of not being
able to pray because we are ill, we are suffer-
ing acute pain, or we are in a state of weak-
ness or languor. Did not our blessed Lord
pray on the cross, and the martyrs on the
scaffold? Actual prayer at such a time is
impossible, unless it be at intervals, and by
short aspirations ; neither is it expected. But
suffer for God; suffer with submission and
patience; suffer in imion with Jesus Christ,
and you will be praying exceedingly well.
^'Thus it is that a truly Christian heart
c.?.n and ought to pray unceasingly, partly by
consecrating a fixed time for prayer, partly
by acting, and partly also by suffering.^'
IN SECRET
/^FTTiMES within your very heart,
Where only God can see,
Just whisper low to Him these words :
''My heart I give to Thee ! "
— Leaflets.
"what doth it profit?''
V|i I HAT doth it profit to gain the world,
^^^^^ Or madly to seek as our goal
Its honors and glory, wealth and joy,
If we lose, in the seeking, our soul ?
— Leaflets,
Coniinual Prayer
135
TAKE UP THY CROSS "
If any man ivill come after Me, Jet him deny himself
and fake up his cross daily and foil oiv Me.''
aHARGE not thyself with the weight of a year,
Child of the Master, faithful and dear ;
Choose not the cross for the coming week,
For that is more than He bids thee seek.
Bend not thine arms for to-morrow's load ;
Thou may'st leave that to thy gracious God.
Daily only He said to thee,
" Take up thv cross and follow Me." _ ^
— Leaflets.
AIXTS did not do hard things because they were
saints, but doing the hard things made them saints.
COXFIDEXXE
Y fate is in Thy hands,
]\Iy God, I wish it there ;
]\Iy heart, my life, my health I leave
Entirely to Thy care.
My fate is in Thy hands,
AMiatever it may be,
Pleasant or painful, bright or dark,
As best may seem to Thee.
My fate is in Thy hands.
Why should I doubt or fear ?
!My Father's Heart will never cause
His child a needless tear.
— Leaflets.
Introductory Reflections
ALL FOR THEE, O HEART OF JESUS !
ow sweet it is to feel, dear Lord,
That Thou wilt surely see
Each work, or thought, or act of mine
That may be done for Thee !
That when I try, with pure intent.
To serve, to please, to love Thee,
Thy watchful Heart each effort knows.
Thy blessing rests above me.
Empty my soul of all desire
Man's idle praise to seek.
Hide me in Thee, for Thou dost know
How frail I am — ■ and weak.
Take Thou my all, since for so long
Thy providence has sought me,
Make me Thine own since at such cost
Thy precious blood has bought me.
Live, Jesus, live, so live in me.
That all I do be done by Thee,
And grant that all I think and say
May be Thy thoughts and words to-day.
ASPIRATIONS
IN THE name of the Father, ►J^ and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Blessed be the Holy Trmity, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
Glory to the Father, Who created me ; glory to
the Son, Who redeemed me ; glory to the Holy Ghost,
Who sanctifieth me.
ACT OF ADORATION AND THANKSGIVING
LMiGHTY and eternal God, I adore Thee, and I
thank Thee for all the benefits which Thou, in
Thy infinite goodness and mercy, hast conferred upon
me. I thank Thee especially for having preserved
and protected me this night.
ACT OF FAITH
OMY God, I beheve in Thee, because Thou art
Truth itself, and I firmly believe al] the sacred
truths which the holy Catholic Church believes and
teaches, because Thou hast revealed them.
ACT OF HOPE
MY God, I hope in Thee, because Thou art omnip-
otent, most merciful, and faithful to Thy prom-
ises ; I hope to obtain the pardon of my sins, the
grace to live a holy hfe, to die a happy death, and to
137
138
Morning Prayers
obtain life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus
Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
ACT OE LOVE
OMY God, I love Thee with my whole heart, and
above all things, because Thou art infinitely good ;
and for the love of Thee I love my neighbor as myself.
ACT OF SUPPLICATION
OMY God, I beseech Thee most earnestly to bless
me^ that I may serve Thee faithfully this day by
a perfect devotedness to all my duties and a steadfast
adherence to all my promises and good resolutions.
ACT OF CONTRITION
OMY God, I am truly sorry for having sinned, be-
cause Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases
Thee. I will avoid the occasions of sin and strive in all
things to do Thy holy will.
ACT OF CONSECRATION
OMY God, I wish to co7isecrate this day and all the
days of my life to Thy honor and glory.
OFFERING
LMIGHTY and eternal God ! I offer Thee all my
prayers, works, and sufferings in union with the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which
He pleads and oft'ers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors, in repara-
tion for my off'enses, and in humble supplication for
Ejaculations
139
my temporal and eternal welfare, for the wants of our
holy Mother the Church, for the conversion of sinners,
and for the relief of the poor souls in purgatory.
I have the intention to gain all the indulgences
attached to the prayers I shall say, and to the good
works I shall perform this day. I resolve to gain all
I the indulgences I can in favor of the souls in purgatory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Apostles^ Creed, Glory.
EJACULATIONS
O sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 davs, each time. — Pius IX, Nov. 26,
1876.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart
like unto Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Jan.
25, 1868.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love !
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, May
21, 1892.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Sept.
30, 1852.
OMary ! my Queen ! my Mother ! I give myself
entirely to thee ; and, to show my devotion to
thee, I consecrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears,
my mouth, my heart, my whole being, without re-
serve. Wherefore, good Mother, as 1 am thine
I40 Morning Prayers
own, keep me, guard me, as thy property and
possession.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, Aug. 5, 1851, granted to all
the faithful who, with fervor and at least contrite heart,
shall say, morning and evening, one Hail Mary, together
with this prayer, to implore of the Blessed Virgin victory
over temptations, especially over those against chastity,
an indulgence of 100 days, once a day.
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec. 19,
1891.
NGEL of God, my guardian dear.
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side.
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI, by a brief, Oct. 2, 1795,
granted to all the faithful, every time that, with at least
contrite heart and devotion, they shall say this prayer,
an indulgence of 100 days.
All ye holy angels and saints of God, and especially
you, my dear patron saint, pray for me !
May the Lord bless me, preserve me from all evil,
and bring me to life everlasting.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace.
Indulgenced Versicles on behalf of the Holy Souls in
Purgatory
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord ;
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them ! Amen.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Evening Prayers 141
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Feb. 4,
1908.
fHormnfi d^ff ermg 0! tfjc ^p0stlfsl}{p of liragrr
O JESUS, through the immaculate heart of Alary, I
offer Thee my prayers, works, and sufferings of
this day for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in
union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout
the world, for the intentions of all our associates, and
in particular for the intention recommended this
month by our Holy Father, the Pope.
Ebcninoi ^irapcrs
IN the name of the Father, ^ and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
Glory to the Father, Who created me ; glory to the
Son, Who redeemed me ; glory to the Holy Ghost,
Who sanctifieth me.
ACT OF ADORATION
LMiGHTY and eternal God, I adore Thee, and I
thank Thee for all the benefits I have received
this day through Thy infinite goodness and mercy.
Give me light to know my faults and grant me grace
to be truly sorry for my sins.
Here examine your conscience on the faults of the day ;
on the offenses against God, against your neighbor, and
against yourself ; on the commandments of God and of the
142
Evening Prayers
Church; and particularly as regards your predominant
passion, your promises, and resolutions.
In the event that you have sinned grievously, resolve
to go to confession at the first opportunity. Meditate for
a few moments on eternity, death, judgment, heaven, and
hell, mindful of the admonition of the Holy Spirit : "In all
thy works, O man, remember thy last end and thou wilt
never sin." Make an act of contrition.
ACT OF CONTRITION
MY God, I am truly sorry for having sinned, be-
cause Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases
Thee. I am firmly resolved, with the help of Thy
grace, never more to offend Thee, and I will carefully
avoid the occasions of sin.
ACT OF LOVE
I LOVE Thee, my Lord and my God, with my whole
heart and above all things, and for the love of
Thee I love my neighbor as myself. Grant that I may
love Thee more and more and give me the grace of
perseverance, that I may live a holy life, die a happy
death, and glorify Thee eternally in heaven.
Our Father , Hail Mary, Apostles^ Creed, Glory.
EJACULATIONS
O sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Nov._
26, 1876.
The Memorare
143
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love !
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. -
21, 1892.
■ Leo XIII, May
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Sept.
30, 1852.
/TVEMORARE, O piissima
r^'-^i virgo iMaria, non
esse auditum a saeculo
quemquam ad tua cur-
rentem praesidia, tua
implorantem auxilia, tua
petentem suffragia, esse
derelictum. Ego tali ani-
matus confidentia, ad te,
virgo virginum, Mater,
curro, ad te venio, coram
te gemens peccator as-
sisto ; noli, mater Verbi,
verba mea despicere, sed
audi propitia, et exaudi.
Amen.
EMEMBER, O mOSt
rJ-Aa gracious Mrgin
Mary ! that never was
it known that any one
who fled to thy protec-
tion, implored thy help,
and sought thy interces-
sion, was left unaided.
Inspired with this confi-
dence, I fly unto thee, O
Virgin of virgins, my
Mother ! To thee I come ;
before thee I stand, sinful
and sorrowful. O Mother
of the Word incarnate !
despise not my petitions,
but, in thy mercy, hear
and answer me. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a rescript of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, Dec. 11, 1846, granted to all
the faithful every time that, with at least contrite heart and
devotion, they shall say this prayer, an indulgence of 300
days ; and a plenary indulgence, once a month, to all those
who, having said it at least once a day for a month, on any
day, being truly penitent, after confession and communion,
144 Evening Prayers
shall visit a church or pubhc oratory, and pray there, foi
some time, for the intention of His HoHness.
PRAYER FOR BENEFACTORS
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all
those who do us good, for Thy name's sake. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII, Dec.
17, 1892.
EJACULATIONS
OMary ! my Queen ! my INIother ! remember I am
thine. Keep me, guard me, as thy property
and possession.
Jesus, ]\Iary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and
my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my
soul in peace with you. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius VII, Aug.
26, 1814.
AY the Blessed \^irgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all
the saints, pray for us to Our Lord, that we may
be preserved this night from sin and evil. Amen.
O my good angel, whom God has appointed to be
my guardian, watch over me during this night.
May Our Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil
and bring us to life everlasting.
iMay the souls of the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
De Prof undid for the Faitliful Departed 145
Esus Christ, my God, I adore Thee and I thank
Thee for all the graces Thou hast bestowed on me
this day. I offer to Thee my sleep and every moment
of this night, and I beseech Thee to keep me free from
sin. To secure this I place myself within Thy sacred
side and under the protecting mantle of Our Lady,
my ^Mother. ]\Iay Thy holy angels help me and keep
me in peace, and may Thy blessing be upon me.
Indulgence of 60 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, June
30, 1893-
TBt iirofuntits for i\)t JPaitijful Qcparteti
Ps.
E PROFUNDis clamavi
ad te, Domine :
Domine, exaudi vocem
meam.
Fiant aures tuas inten-
dentes, in vocem depre-
cationis meae.
Si iniquitates observa-
veris, Domine : Domine,
quis sustinebit ?
Quia apud te propitia-
tio est : et propter legem
tuam sustinui te, Dom-
ine.
Sustinuit anima mea in
verbo ejus : speravit an-
ima mea in Domino.
129
OUT of the depths I
have cried to Thee,
O Lord ! Lord, hear my
voice.
Let Thine ears be atten-
tive to the voice of my
supplication.
If Thou, 0 Lord, shalt
mark our iniquities : 0
Lord, who shall stand it ?
For with Thee there is
merciful forgiveness : and
by reason of Thy law I have
waited for Thee, 0 Lord.
]\Iy soul hath relied on
His word : my soul ha th
hoped in the Lord.
146
Evening Prayers
A custodia matutina us- From the morning
que ad noctem, speret watch even unto night, let
Israel in Domino. Israel hope in the Lord.
Quia apud Dominum Because with the Lord
misericordia, et copiosa there is mercy : and with
apud eum redemptio. Him plenteous redemption.
Et ipse redimet Israel And He shall redeem
ex omnibus iniquitatibus Israel from all His iniqui-
ejus. ties.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Clement XII, by a brief, Cceleste
EcclesicB thesauros, Aug. 11, 1737, granted an indulgence
of 100 days to all the faithful who, at the sound of the bell,
at the first hour after nightfall, shall say devoutly, on their
knees, the psalm De profimdiSj or the Our Father, the Hail
Mary, and the Requiejn (Eternam.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI, by a rescript of the
Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda, March 18, 1781,
granted these indulgences to all the faithful who may
happen to dwell in a place where no bell for the dead is
sounded, provided they shall say the De profundis, or the
Our Father, and the Hail Mary, etc., about nightfall.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on the poor souls
in purgatory.
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord ;
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them !
F. O Lord, hear my prayer ;
R. And let my cry come unto Thee !
Let us pray
God ! the Creator and Redeemer of all the faith-
ful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed
the remission of all their sins, that through pious sup-
plications they may obtain that pardon which they
have always desired. Who lives t and reignest now
and forever. Amen.
Prayers during the Day 147
Prayer
VISIT, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, this habitation,
and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy :
let Thy holy angels dwell herein, to keep us in peace,
and may Thy blessing be always upon us. Through
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Sprinkle your bed with holy water and, blessing your-
self, say when you lie down to rest :
Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
Praucrs fiuring tijc Dag
GRACE BEFORE MEALS
BLESS US, 0 Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are
about to receive from Thy bounty. Through
Jesus Christ.
R. Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS
'e GIVE Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy
benefits, Who livest and reignest world without
end.
R. Amen.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all
those who do us good for Thy name's sake.
R. Amen.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
148 Prayers during the Day
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
ACT OF FAITH
OMY God ! I firmly believe all the sacred truths
which the Catholic Church believes and teaches,
because Thou, Who canst neither deceive nor be
deceived, hast revealed them.
ACT OF HOPE
OMY God, trusting in Thy promises and relying on
Thy infinite power and goodness I hope to obtain
pardon for my sins, the assistance of Thy grace, and
life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ,
my Lord and Redeemer.
ACT OF LOVE
OMY God, I love Thee with my whole heart and
above all things, because Thou art the Supreme
Good and worthy of all my love. I am sorry for
having displeased Thy infinite goodness by my sins.
I desire to do Thy holy will and to love Thee more and
more. For the love of Thee I will love my neighbor
as myself.
El}e ^nigdus
NGELUS Domini nun- /^he Angel of the Lord
tiavit Mariae. declared unto Mary.
R. Et concepit de Spi- R. And she conceived
ritu Sancto. by the Holy Ghost.
Ave, Maria, etc. Hail, Mary, etc.
V. Ecce ancilla Do- V. Behold the hand-
mini, maid of the Lord.
Prayers during the Day 149
R. Fiat mihi secundum
verbum tuum.
Ave, Maria, etc.
V. Et Verbum caro
FACTUM EST.
R. Ethabitavi tin nobis.
Ave, Maria, etc.
R. Be it done unto me
according to Thy word.
Hail, Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was
MADE Flesh.
R, And dwelt among us.
Hail, Mary, etc.
Oremiis
RATiAM tuam, quae-
sumus, Domine,
mentibus nostris infunde,
ut qui, Angelo nuntiante,
Christi filii tui incarna-
tionem cognovimus, per
passionem ejus et crucem
ad resurrectionis gloriam
perducamur ; per eum-
dem Christum Dominum
nostrum. Amen.
Let us pray
OUR forth, we beseech
*J- Thee, O Lord, Thy
grace into our hearts ; that
as we have known the in-
carnation of Christ Thy
Son by the message of an
angel, so, by His passion
and cross, we may be
brought to the glory of
His resurrection ; through
the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
During Eastertide, from Holy Saturday till Trinity
Sunday, instead of the Angelus, the Regina Cceli is
recited standing.
EGiNA coeH, laetare, r\ ueen of heaven, re-
Alleluia. joice, Alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti por- For He Whom thou didst
tare, deserve to bear,
Allel uia . A lleluia .
Prayers during the Day
Resurrexit, sicut dixit,
Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum,
Alleluia.
V. Gaude et Isetare,
Virgo Maria,
Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Domi-
nus vere.
Alleluia.
Oremus
*T^EUS, qui per resur-
r*— ^ rectionem Filii tui,
Domini nostri, Jesu
Christi, mundum laeti-
ficare dignatus es, praesta,
qusesumus, ut per ejus
genitricem Virginem Ma-
riana perpetuae capiamus
gaudia vitae : per eundem
Christum, Dominum nos-
trum.
R. Amen.
Hath risen as He said,
Alleluia.
Pray for us to God,
Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad,
O Virgin Mary !
Alleluia.
R. Because Our Lord
is truly risen,
Alleluia.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who by the
resurrection of Thy
Son, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, hast vouchsafed
to make glad the whole
world, grant, we beseech
Thee, that, through the
intercession of the Virgin
Mary, His mother, we
may attain the joys of
eternal life. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIIT, by a brief, In-
junctcB nobis, Sept. 14, 1724, granted a plenary indulgence,
once a month, to all the faithful who, every day, at the
sound of the bell, in the morning, or at noon, or in the eve-
ning at sunset, shall say devoutly, on their knees, the Angelus
Domini, with the Hail Mary, three times, on any day when,
being truly penitent, after confession and communion, they
shall pray for peace and union among Christian princes,
for the extirpation of heresy, and for the triumph of holy
Mother Church; also an indulgence of 100 days, on all
Prayers during the Day
the other days in the year, every time that, with contrite
heart and devotion, they shall say these pra^^ers.
5ah)c Eegma
In the Morning
^Talve regina, mater
)^ misericordiae, vita
dulcedo, et spes nostra
salve. x\d te clamamus
exules filii Hevae ; ad te
•suspiramus, gementes et
flentes in hac lacrymarum
valle. Eja ergo, advo-
cata nostra, illos tuos mis-
ericordes oculos ad nos
converte ; et Jesum bene-
dictum fructum ventris
tui nobis post hoc exilium
ostende, O clemens, O pia,
O dulcis virgo Maria.
F. Dignare me laudare
te, Virgo sacra ta.
R. Da mihi virtutem
contra hostes tuos.
V. Benedictus Deus in
Sanctis suis.
R. Amen.
'X^Cail, holy Queen,
r-*— ^ Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and
our hope; to thee do we
cry, poor banished children
of Eve, to thee do we send
up our sighs, mourning
and weeping in this val-
ley of tears. Turn then,
most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy to-
ward us, and after this, our
exile, show unto us the
blessed fruit of thy womb,
Jesus. O clement, O lov-
ing, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Make me worthy
to praise thee, holy Virgin.
R. Give me strength
against thine enemies.
V. Blessed be God in
His saints.
R. Amen.
152
Prayers during the Day
In the Evening
QfuB tuum praesidium
JS-' confugimus, sancta
Dei genitrix ; nostras de-
precationes ne despicias in
necessitatibus nostris ; sed
a periculis cunctis libera
nos, semper virgo gloriosa
et benedicta.
V. Dignare me, lau-
dare te, Virgo sacrata.
R. Da mihi virtutem
contra hostes tuos.
V. Benedictus Deus
in Sanctis suis.
R. Amen.
'/fj i'e fly to thy patron-
age, O holy Mother
of God ! despise not our
petitions in our neces-
sities, but deliver us
from all dangers, O ever
glorious and blessed Vir-
gin.
V. Make me worthy to
praise thee, holy Virgin.
R. Give me strength
against thine enemies.
V. Blessed be God in
His saints.
R. Amen.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI, by a decree of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, April 5, 1786, granted an
indulgence of 100 days, once a day, to all the faithful who,
moved by the true spirit of religion to atone in some manner
for the insults offered to the most blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God, and to the saints, and to defend and pro-
mote the worship and veneration of their holy images, shall
say, with at least contrite heart and devotion, the Salve
Regina, with the versicles, Dignare me and Benedictus Deus,
in the morning, and Sub tuum prcesidium, with the same
vers/cles, in the evening. Also an indulgence of 7 years
and 7 quarantines on all the Sundays of the year.
Prayers during the Day
153
ATER noster, qui es #^UR Father, Who art in
in coelis, sanctifice- heaven, hallowed be
tur nomen tuum : ad- Thy name. Thy king-
veniat regnum tuum : fiat dom come ; Thy will be
voluntas tua, sicut in coelo, done on earth, as it is in
et in terra. Panem nos- heaven. Give us this day
trum quotidianum da no- our daily bread ; and for-
bis hodie : et dimitte give us our trespasses, as
nobis debita nostra, sicut we forgive those who
et nos dimittimus debitor- trespass against us. And
ibus nostris. Et ne nos lead us not into tempta-
inducas in tentationem : tion ; but dehver us from
sed libera nos a malo. evil. Amen.
Amen.
VE, Maria, gratia *T^ail, Mary, full of
plena; Dominus te- r*— b grace; the Lord is
cum benedicta tu in mu- with thee ; blessed art
lieribus, et benedictus thou among vromen, and
fructus ventris tui, Jesus, blessed is the fruit of thy
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, womb, Jesus. Holy
ora pro nobis peccatori- Mary, Mother of God,
,( bus, nunc et in hora mor- pray for us sinners, now
11 tis nostrae. Am.en. and at the hour of our
death. Amen.
a REDO in Deum, Pa- 'T^believe in God, the
trem omnipotentem, Father Almighty,
Creatorem coeli et terr^ ; Creator of heaven and
et in Jesum Christum., earth ; and in Jesus Christ,
154 Prayers during the Day
Filium ejus unicum, Do-
minum nostrum : qui con-
ceptus est de Spiritu
Sancto, natus ex Maria
Virgine, passus sub Pon-
tio Pilato, crucinxus, mor-
tuus, et sepultus. Des-
cendit ad inferos ; tertia
die resurrexit a mortuis ;
ascendit ad coelos, sedet
ad dexteram Dei Patris
omnipotentis ; inde ven-
turus est judicare vivos
et mortuos. Credo in
Spiritum Sanctum, Sanc-
tam Ecclesiam Catholi-
cam sanctorum commu-
nionem, remissionem pec-
catorum, carnis resurrec-
tionem, et vitam aeternam.
Amen.
His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the
Ploly Ghost, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died, and was
buried. He descended
into hell ; the third day He j
rose again from the dead ; |
He ascended into heaven,
sitteth at the right hand
of God, the Father Al-
mighty; from thence He
shall come to judge the
living and dead. I be-
lieve in the Holy Ghost,
the holy Cathohc Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
^Prag-er to t^e f^olg ®f|ost
VENi, Sancte Spiritus, y^OME, O Holy Ghost,
reple tuorum corda fill the hearts of Thy
fidelium, et tui amoris in faithful, and enkindle in
eis ignem accende. them the fire of Thy love.
V. Emitte Spiritum V. Send forth Thy
tuum et creabuntur. Spirit and they shall be
created.
R. Et renovabis faciem R. And Thou shalt re-
terrae. new the face of the earth.
Prayers during the Day 155
Oremus
^Y^EUS, qui corda fide-
<-L^ Hum sancti Spiritus
illustratione docuisti, da
nobis in eodem Spiritu
recta sapere, et de ejus
semper consolatione gau-
Lj dere. Per Christum Do-
I' minum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Let us pray
O God, Who hast taught
the hearts of the
faithful by the Hght of the
Holy Spirit, grant that by
the gift of the same Spirit
we may be always truly
wise, and ever rejoice in
His consolations, through
Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
J^ragcr of Sbi* Ci)omas 'Aquinas
I'j WHICH HE WAS ACCUSTOMED TO RECITE EVERY DAY
BEFORE THE IMAGE OE JESUS CHRIST
aONCEDE mihi, miseri- rant me grace, O mer-
cors Deus, quae tibi V9 ciful God, to desire
placita sunt ardenter ardently all that is pleas-
concupiscere, prudenter ing to Thee, to examine it
investigare, veraciter ag- prudently, to acknowl-
noscere et perfecte adim- edge it truthfully, and to
plere, ad laudem et glo- accomplish it perfectly,
riam nominis tui. Amen, for the praise and glory of
Thy name. Amen.
j ! His Holiness Pope Leo XIII, by a rescript of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, June 21, 1879, granted an
indulgence of 300 days to the faithful who, before studying
or reading, shall, with at least contrite heart and devotion,
L recite this prayer.
156 Prayers during the Day
Cntiulgences
For Reading the Holy Gospel
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, Dec. 13, 1898, granted
to the faithful who spend at least a quarter of an hour
in reading the Holy Gospel, an indulgence of 300
days, once a day; also a plenary indulgence once a
month, on any day of the month, to those who shall
have spent a quarter of an hour a day on every day
of the month in reading the Holy Gospel, on the usual
conditions — confession and communion, and pray-
ing for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Teresa's 38ook=^JI$larlt
^ *j — 'ET nothing disturb thee,
. I ^ Let nothing affright thee.
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who hath God wanteth nothing —
Alone God suffice th.
I always find almost all the wisdom I need in "St.
Teresa's Book-Mark." It is a volume in itself. My
great comfort in distressing circumstances is that
''all things are passing." — Father Joseph Farrell,
author of Lectures by a Certain Professor."
^^rager before ang Sooti OTorlt
BEAR in mind the injunction of the holy Apostle :
''Whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in
Prayers during the Day 157
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" {CoL hi. 17).
Resolve to do ah things for the glory of God in the
name of Jesus.
Jesus, sweet Jesus, O Jesus divine,
My life and my death unto Thee I resign.
Every action of mine shall Thy patronage claim ;
For whatever I do shall be done in Thy name.
ENEW your good intention frequently during
, the day and especially at the beginning of any
im.portant work or duty by some short ejaculatory
prayer, e.g.
"All in the name of Jesus."
'^\n for the glory of God."
"AUfor Jesus."
''All for the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the
immaculate heart of Mary."
''In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
"Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind and direct
my will, that I may do what is pleasing to Thee and
conducive to my salvation."
^zi% of i\]t Z\]xzt Cijrologtral Tirtucs,
JTaitfj, l^ope, anti Cljarttg
ACT OF FAITH
I MOST firmly believe, because God, Who is the in-
fallible Truth, hath so revealed to the holy Catholic
Church, and through the Church reveals to us, that
there is only one God in three divine Persons, equal
and distinct, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; that the
Son became man by taking to Himself flesh and a
158 Prayers during the Bay
human soul through the operation of the Holy Ghost
in the womb of the most pure Virgin Mary ; that He
died for us upon the cross, rose again, ascended into
heaven, and from thence shall come again at the end
of the world to judge the living and the dead, to award
unto the good eternal happiness, and to the wicked
everlasting punishment; moreover, from the same
motive I believe all that the holy Catholic Church
believes and teaches.
ACT OF HOPE
OMY God, because Thou art almighty, infinitely
good and merciful, I hope that, by the merits of
the passion and death of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
Thou wilt grant me eternal life, which Thou, most |
faithful, hast promised to all those who shall do the
works of a good Christian, as I purpose to do by Thy
holy help.
ACT OF CHARITY
OMY God, because Thou art the highest and most
perfect good, I love Thee with my whole heart,
and above all things; and rather than offend Thee,
I am ready to lose all things ; and moreover for Thy
love I love, and will love, my neighbor as myself.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV, considering
that it is not only useful, but also truly necessary, for
eternal salvation to make frequent acts of the theologi-
cal virtues of faith, hope, and charity, in order to
excite the faithful to make these acts, granted, by a
decree of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, Jan.
28, 1756, confirming the grant already made by Bene-
Prayers during the Day 159
diet XTII, Tan. 15, 1728 : A plenary indulgence, once a
month, to all tnose who shall daily devoutly say, and,
at the same time, make wdth their heart these acts.
This indulgence may be gained on any day, when,
being truly penitent, after confession and communion,
they shall pray for peace and union among Christian
princes, for the extirpation of heresy, and for the tri-
umph of holy Church.
He granted in Hke manner a plenary indulgence at
the hour of death. Finally, to excite the faithful to a
very frequent use of these acts, he extended the
indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines
(which, by the grant of his predecessor, could be
gained only once a day) to every time that these acts
are said with heartfelt devotion.
The same Sovereign Pontiff further declared that,
to gain these indulgences, it is not necessary to make
use of any set form of words, but that any one may use
any form of words which he pleases, provided it ex-
presses the particular motive of each of the three
theological virtues. — " The New Raccolta.''
^be Ibol^ Sacrifice of tbe flDaes
JFour ffiitat lEntis of tlje Jlass
*~pi OLY Mass is offered to God for four great ends,
corresponding to the four great duties we owe to
Him ; these are :
1. To praise, honor, and adore the infinite majesty
of God, Who is infinitely deserving of all the glory
that can be given Him by His creatures.
2. To satisfy the infinite justice of God, Who is in-
finitely offended by the sins committed against Him,
3. To thank the infinite liberality of God, Who
requires an infinite return for all the favors bestowed
upon His creatures.
4. To petition the infinite goodness of God, Whom
nothing but a pleading of infinite value can move to
grant us all needful blessings.
When Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost offered
Himself unspotted to God on Mount Calvary, He
paid infinite adoration to the divine majesty, gave in-
finite satisfaction to the divine justice, made an in-
finite return to the divine liberality and moved the
divine goodness by an appeal of infinite efficacy.
Now in Holy Mass, Jesus places Himself entirely in
your hands, that you may offer to God the same great
sacrifice of infinite value for the same most excellent
ends, in your behalf as well as for others, v/hether liv-
ing or dead. For all who devoutly assist at Holy
Mass are m_ade one with the priest, and along with him
present to heaven the adorable sacrifice. What
would you, therefore, do without the Holy Mass ?
160
Ordinary of the Mass
i6r
"Holy Mass is the sun of Christianity, the soul of
faith, the center of the CathoKc rehgion, the grand
object of all her rites, ceremonies, and sacraments ;
in a word, it is a summary of all that is grand and
beautiful in the Church of God." — St. Leonard of
Port Maurice.
When a priest celebrates Holy Mass^ he honors
God, he rejoices the angels, he edifies the Church, he
helps the living, he obtains rest for the departed, and
makes him.self partaker of all blessines." — ''Following
of Christ."
"With the view, therefore, that God may receive
from His creatures that clean oblation which alone is
worthy of Him, and that the faithful be not deprived
of the immense benefit of the same adorable sacrifice,
Holy Church commands her children under pain of
grievous sin to hear j\Iass on all Sundays and holydays
of obligation. But, surely, no Catholic who has any
right idea of the importance and value of Holy Mass
will remain satisfied with this. He will attend Holy
Mass as often as he can on week-da.ys as well. He
will, like vase, have Masses offered up by the priest,
both for himself and others, living or dead." —
Eather Fiege^ in "The Paraclete."
tTbe ©rDlnar^ of tbe /IDass
The priest, standing at the foot of the altar, bows
down, signs himself with the sign of the cross , and says ;
IN nomine Patris, ^ 't'n the nam.e of the
et Filii, et Spiritus r-«-> Father, and of the
Sancti. Amen, Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
l62
Ordinary of the Mass
Then, joining his hands, he begins the Antiphon :
V. Introibo ad altare V. I will go in to the
Dei. altar of God.
R. Ad Deum, qui Iseti- R. To God, Who giveth
ficat juventutem meam. joy to my youth.
(In Masses for the Dead, and from Passion Sunday
till Holy Saturday, the following Psalm is omitted :)
PSALM XLII
6*. TTuDick me, Deus, et
J discerne causam
meam de gente non sancta :
ab homine iniquo et
doloso erue me.
M. Quia tu es, Deus,
fortitudo mea, quare me
repuHsti ? et quare tristis
incedo, dum affligit me
inimicus ?
S. Emitte lucem tuam
et veritatem tuam : ipsa
me deduxerunt, et addux-
erunt in montem sanctum
Tuum, et in tabernacula
Tua.
M. Et introibo ad al-
tare Dei: ad Deum,
qui lastificat juventutem
meam.
5. Confitebor Tibi in
cithara, Deus, Deus meus :
P. ^UDGE me, O God, and
(V distinguish my cause
from the nation that is not
holy : deliver me from the ^
unjust and deceitful man.
R. For Thou art God,
my strength : why hast , |
Thou cast me off ? and |
why do I go sorrowful
whilst the enemy afflicteth
me ?
P. Send forth Thy light
and Thy truth : they have
conducted me and brought
me unto Thy holy hill,
and into Thy taber-
nacles.
_ R. And I will go in to
the altar of God : to God,
Who giveth joy to my
youth.
P. I will praise Thee
upon the harp, O God, my
Ordinary of the Mass
163
quare tristis es, anima God: why art thou sad, O
mea ? et quare conturbas my soul ? and why dost
me ? thou disquiet me ?
M. Spera in Deo, quo- R. Hope thou in God,
niam adhuc confitebor ilh : for I will yet praise Him :
salutare vultus mei, et Who is the salvation of my
Deus mens. countenance, and m}^ God.
5'. Gloria Patri, et Filio, P. Glory be to the
et Spiritui Sancto. Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
AI. Sicut erat in prin- R, As it was in the be-
cipio, et nunc, et semper, ginning, is now, and ever
et in saecula saeculorum. shall be, world without
Amen. end. Amen.
V. Introibo ad altare V. I will go in to the
Dei. altar of God.
R. Ad Deum, qui laeti- R. To God, Who giveth
ficat juventutem meam. joy to my youth.
V. Adjutorium nos- V. Our help is in the
trum in nomine Domini, name of the Lord.
R. Qui fecit coelum et R. Who hath made
terram. heaven and earth.
Then, joining his hands and humbly bowing down,
he says
^j^e (JTonfiteor
aONFiTEOR Deo omni- '"T* confess to Almighty
potenti, etc. «-■-» God, etc.
M. Misereatur tui om- R. May Alm.ighty God
nipotens Deus, et dimissis be merciful to thee, and,
peccatis tuis, perducat te forgiving thee thy sins,
ad vitam aeternam. bring thee to everlasting
life.
S. Amen. F. Amen.
164
Ordinary of the Mass
M. Confiteor Deo om-
nipotenti, beatae Mariae
semper Virgini, beato Mi-
chaeli Archangelo, beato
Joanni Baptistse, Sanctis
Apostolis Petro et Paulo,
omnibus Sanctis, et tibi.
Pater, quia, peccavi nimis,
cogitatione verbo et opere,
mea culpa, mea culpa,
mea maxima culpa. Ideo
precor beatam Mariam
semper Virginem, beatum
Michaelum Archangelum,
beatum Joannem Baptis-
tam, sanctos Apostolos
Petrum et Paulum, omnes
sanctos, et te Pater, orare
pro me ad Dominum
Deum nostrum.
R. I confess to Al-
mighty God, to blessed
Mary, ever Virgin, to
blessed Michael the Arch-
angel, to blessed John the
Baptist, to the holy apos-
tles Peter and Paul; to all
the saints, and to you,
Father, that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought,
word, and deed, through
my fault, through my
fault, through my most
grievous fault. There-
fore, I beseech the blessed
Mary, ever Virgin, blessed
Michael, the Archangel,
blessed John the Baptist,
the holy apostles, Peter
and Paul, and all the saints,
and you, Father, to pray to
the Lord our God for me.
Then the priest gives the absolution, saying:
QAY Almighty God
be merciful unto
IISEREATUR vestri
omnipotens Deus, be merciful unto
et dimissis peccatis ves- you, and, forgiving you
tris, perducat vos ad vitam your sins, bring you to
aeternam. life everlasting.
M. Amen. R. Amen.
Making the sign of the cross, he says :
INDULGENTIAM, ^ abso-
lutionem, et remis-
sionem peccatorum nos-
^T^AY the Almighty
and merciful Lord
and merciful
grant us pardon, 4^
abso-
Ordinary of the Mass 165
trorum tribuat nobis lution, and remission of
omnipotens et misericors our sins.
Dominus.
M. Amen. R. Amen.
Then, bowing down, he proceeds :
V. Deus, Tu conver- V. Thou shalt turn
sus vivificabis nos. again, O God, and quicken
us.
R. Et plebs Tua laeta- R. And Thy people
bitur in Te. shall rejoice in Thee.
V. Ostende nobis, Do- V. Show us Thy mercy,
mine, misericordiam Tu- O Lord,
am.
R. Et salutare Tuum R. And grant us Thy
da nobis. salvation.
V. Domine, exaudi ora- V. O Lord, hear my
onem meam. prayer.
R, Et clamor meus ad R. And let my cry
Te veniat. come unto Thee.
V. Dominus vobis- V. The Lord be with
cum. you.
R. Et cum spiritu Tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
The priest then, extending and afterward joining
his hands, says :
Oremus. Let us pray.
Then, going up to the altar, he says inaudibly:
UFER a nobis, quaesu- y^AKE away from us our
mus, Domine, ini- iniquities, we beseech
quitates nostras: ut ad Thee, O Lord: that we
Sancta Sanctorum puris may be worthy to enter
mereamur mentibus in- with pure minds into the
1 66
Ordinary of the Mass
troire. Per Christum Do- Holy of holies. Through
milium nostrum. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bowing down over the altar, he kisses it and says :
O RAMUS Te, Domine, *7TfX^ beseech Thee, O
per merita sanctorum vScA» Lord, by the mer-
tuorum quorum reliquiae its of Thy saints, whose
hie sunt, et omnium sane- relics are here, and of all
torum, ut indulgere dig- the saints, that Thou
neris omnia peccata mea. wouldst vouchsafe to for-
Amen. give me all my sins.
(At Solemn Mass the altar is here incensed.)
Then the priest, signing himself with the sign of the
cross, reads
' I Jet us go with confidence to the throne of
grace : that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace in seasonable aid (Heb. iv. i6).
Casting all your care upon Him ; for He
hath care of you (i Peter v. 7).
He that feareth man shall quickly fall ; he
that trusteth in the Lord shall be set on high
(Prov. xxix. 25).
Trust in the Lord and do good (Ps. xxxvi. 3).
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on
me; for my soul trusteth in Thee.
And in the shadow of Thy wings will I hope
imtil iniquity pass away (Ps. Ivi. 2).
Amen.
^ije Cntroit
Ordinary of the Mass
167
I will give glory to Thy name ; for Thou
hast been a helper and protector to me
(Ecclus. li. 2).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and
to the Holy Ghost.
The priest then says the
*Jg^YRiE eleison.
M. Kyrie eleison.
S. Kyrie eleison.
M. Christe eleison.
S. Christe eleison.
M. Christe eleison.
S. Kyrie eleison.
M. Kyrie eleison.
S. Kyrie eleison.
ORD, have mer-
' cy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
F. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
F. Christ, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
F. Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
F. Lord, have mercy.
Afterward, standing at the middle of the altar, ex-
tending and then joining his hands, and slightly bow-
ing, he says (when it is to be said ^) :
Gloria in Excelsis
LORiA in excelsis Deo ; ^^lory be to God on
et in terra pax ho- high, and on earth
minibus bonae voluntatis, peace to men of good will.
Laudamus Te ; benedici- We praise Thee ; we bless
mus Te ; adoramus Te ; Thee ; we worship Thee ;
glorincamus Te. Gratias we glorify Thee. We give
1 The Gloria is omitted in Masses of the season during Lent
and Advent, and in Masses for the Dead.
i68
Ordinary of the Mass
agimus Tibi propter mag-
nam gloriam Tuam. Do-
mine Deus, Rex coelestis,
Deus pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite,
Jesu Christe : Domine
Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius
Patris, qui tollis peccata
mundi, miserere nobis :
qui toilis peccata mundi,
suscipe deprecationem
nostram : qui sedes ad dex-
teram Patris, miserere no-
bis. Quoniam Tu soius
sanctus : Tu solus Do-
minus : Tu solus altissi-
mus, Jesu Christe, cum
Sancto Spiritu, in gloria
Dei Patris. Amen.
The priest kisses the
people, says:
F. D o m i n u s vobis-
cum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Thee thanks for Thy great
glory, O Lord God, heav-
enly King, God the Father
almighty. O Lord, the
only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ ; O Lord God,,
Lamb of God, Son of the
Father, Who takest away
the sins of the worlds
have mercy on us : Thou
Who takest away the sins
of the world, receive our
prayer ; Thou Who sittest
at the right hand of the
Father, have mercy on us.
For Thou only art holy;
Thou only art the Lord ;
Thou only, O Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Ghost, art
most high in the glory of
God the Father. x\men.
altar, and, turning to the
V. The Lord be with
you.
R. And with thy spirit.
W()t Collect
"jr^ET us pray : O God, Who hast taught
the hearts of the faithful by the light of
the Holy Ghost : grant that, by the gift of
the same Spirit^ we may always be truly wise
Ordinary of the Mass
169
and ever rejoice in His holy consolations.
May the inpouring of the Holy Ghost cleanse
our hearts, and, as dew sprinkled over our in-
nermost being, may His presence render us
fruitful in good works. Give us Thy grace, 0
Lord, that we may not cling to the perishable
goods and vain honors of this world, but pass
safely beyond themx to the everlasting joys of
heaven, which Thou hast promised to those
who love and serve Thee faithfully. We ask
this of Thee in the name of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
world without end. Amen.
I rET us pray : Save us, we beseech Thee,
0 Lord, from all dangers to soul or body;
and by the intercession of the glorious and
blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of God, of
St. Joseph, of Thy holy apostles, Peter and
Paul, and of all Thy saints, mercifully grant us
health and peace. Do Thou bring to naught
all the assaults of the enemies of Thy Church,
and enable her to serve Thee in freedom and
in safety.
^TJ>LESS our Holy Father, the Pope; bless
'^^^ our friends, relatives, benefactors, and all
those for whom we have promised to pray;
and give eternal rest to the faithful departed,
through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Ordinary of the Mass
lEptstle
EARLY Beloved : Be ye all of one mind,
having compassion one of another, being
lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest,
hmiible : not rendering evil for evil, or railing
for railing, but contrariwise, blessing ; for
unto this you are called, that you may inherit
a blessing. For he that will love life and see
good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him
decline from evil, and do good : let him seek
after peace, and pursue it : because the eyes
of the Lord are upon the just, and His ears
unto their prayers ; but the countenance of the
Lord is against them that do evil things.
And who is he that can hurt you, if you be
zealous of good ? But if also you suffer any
thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be
not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled.
But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts
(i Peter iii. 8, 15).
After the Epistle is said :
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
Then the Gradual, Tract, Alleluia, or Sequence,
according to the time.
Ordinary of the Mass
171
Jor tije ^ratiual ^
*T3lessed is the man that feareth the Lord:
'^^^ he shall delight exceedingly in His com-
mandments. His seed shall be mighty upon
earth : the generation of the righteous shall
be blessed (Ps. cxi. 1,2).
In all thy works remember thy last end,
and thou shalt never sin (Ecclus. vii. 40).
Let my soul (O Lord) die the death of the
just, and my last end be like to them (Num.
xxiii. 10).
0 forgive me, that I maybe refreshed before
I go hence, and be no more (Ps. xxxviii. 14).
Show forth Thy wonderful mercies : Thou
Who savest them that trust in Thee (Ps. xvi. 7).
Before the Gospel the priest bows down before the
middle of the altar, and says :
UNDA cor meum ac leanse my heart and
labia mea, omni- my lips, O almighty
potens Deus, qui labia God, Who didst cleanse
Isaiae prophetae calculo the lips of the prophet
mundasti ignito : ita me Isaias with a burning coal ;
Tua grata miseratione dig- vouchsafe so to cleanse
nare mundare, ut sanctum me by Thy gracious
Evangelium Tuum digne mercy, that I may be able
valeam nuntiare. Per worthily to proclaim Thy
1 The choir sings the Gradual, while the book is moved to the
Gospel side, and the priest says the prayer Munda cor meurti,
"Cleanse my heart," etc.
172
Ordinary of the Mass
Christum Dominum nos- holy Gospel. Through
trum. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jube Domine bene- Lord, grant Thy bless-
dicere. ing.
'T^ominus sit in corde /^^he Lord be in my
r-Lr meo et in labiis meis, heart and on my lips,
ut digne et competenter that I may worthily and
annuntiem Evangelium fittingly proclaim His holy
Suum. Amen. Gospel. Amen.
Then, going to the Gospel side, he says :
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
V. Sequentia sancti V. The continuation of
Evangelii secundum N. the holy Gospel according
to N.
R, Gloria Tibi, Do- R. Glory be to Thee,
mine. O Lord.
Then is read :
Cije Gospel
Chris fs Sermon upon the Mount
The Eight Beatitudes
1. 'TjiLESSED are the poor in spirit; for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are the meek ; for they shall pos-
sess the land.
3. Blessed are they that mourn; for they ^
shall be comforted.
Ordinary of the Mass
173
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst
after justice ; for they shall have their fill.
5. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall
obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the clean of heart ; for they
shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they
shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution
for justice' sake ; for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and
persecute you, and speak all that is evil against
you, untruly, for My sake :
Be glad and rejoice ; for your reward is very
great in heaven (Matt. v. 3-12).
You have heard that it hath been said :
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thy
enemy.
But I say to you : Love your enemies ; do
good to them that hate you ; and pray for
them that persecute and calumniate you :
That you may be the children of your Father
Who is in heaven. Who maketh His sun to rise
upon the good and bad, and raineth upon the
just and the unjust.
For if you love them that love you, what
reward shall you have? Do not even the
publicans this?
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Ordinary of the Mass
And if you salute your brethren only, what
do you more ? Do not also the heathens this ?
Be you therefore perfect, as also your
heavenly Father is perfect (Matt. v. 43-48).
If you will forgive men their offenses, your
heavenly Father will forgive you also your
offenses.
But if you will not forgive men, neither will
your Father forgive you your offenses (Matt,
vi. 14-15)-
Judge not that you may not be judged.
For with what judgment you judge, you shall
be judged : and with what measure you mete,
it shall be measured to you again. All things,
therefore, whatsoever you would that men
should do to you, do you also to them ; for
this is the law (Matt. vii. i, 2; 12).
After the Gospel is said :
R. Laus Tibi, Christe. R. Praise be to Thee,
O Christ.
The priest says inaudibly:
ER Evangelica dicta 'TJJy the words of the
deleantur nostra de- Gospel may our sins
licta. be blotted out.
Then, at the middle of the altar, extending, eleva-
ting, and joining his hands, the priest says the Nicene
Creed (when it is to be said), keeping his hands joined.
Ordinary of the Mass
175
At the words, and was incarnate, he kneels, and con-
tinues kneehng to the words, was made man.
a REDO in unum Deum,
Patrem omnipoten-
tem, factorem coeli et
terrae, visibihum omnium
et invisibihum. Et in
unum Dominum Jesum
Christum, FiHum Dei uni-
genitum, et ex Patre
natum ante omnia saecula.
Deum de Deo ; Lumen de
lumine ; Deum verum de
Deo vero ; genitum non
factum ; consubstan-
tialem Patri, per quem
omnia facta sunt. Qui
propter nos homines, et
propter nostram salutem,
descendit de coehs, et in-
carnatus est de Spiritu
Sancto, ex ]\Iaria Mrgine :
ET HOMO FACTUS EST.
[Hie genufleetitur.] Cru-
cifixus etiam pro nobis :
sub Pontio Pilato passus
et sepultus est. Et resur-
rexit tertia die secundum
Scripturas ; et ascendit in
coelum, sedet ad dexteram
Patris : et iterum ven-
turus est cum gloria judi-
I BELIEVE in one God
the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and
earth and of all things
visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus
Christ, the only begotten
Son of God, born of the
Father before all ages.
God of God ; Light of
light ; very God of very
God ; begotten, not made ;
being of one substance
with the Father, by Whom
all things were miade.
Who for us men, and for
our salvation, came down
from heaven, and was in-
carnate by the Holy Ghost
of the Virgin Mary: and
WAS MADE Max. [Here
all kneel down.] He was
crucified also for us, suf-
fered under Pontius Pi-
late, and was buried.
The third day He rose
again according to the
Scriptures ; and ascended
into heaven, and sitteth
at the right hand of the
176
Ordinary of the Mass
care vivos et rnortuos : Father : and He shall
Gujus regni non erit come again with glory to
finis. judge both the living and
the dead : of Whose king-
dom there shall be no end.
Et in Spiritum Sane- And I believe in the
tum Dominum et vivifi- Holy Ghost, the Lord and
cantem, qui ex Patre Giver of life, Who pro-
Filioque procedit : qui ceedeth from the Father
cum Patre et Filio simul and the Son : Who to-
adoratur et conglorifica- gether with the Father
tur; qui locutus est per and the Son is worshiped
prophetas. Et unam and glorified ; Who spoke
sanctam Catholicam et by the prophets. And
Apostolicam Ecclesiam. one holy Catholic and
Confiteor unum baptisma Apostohc Church. I con-
in remissionem pecca- fess one Baptism for the
torum. Et expecto resur- remission of sins. And I
rectionem mortuorum, et look for the resurrection of
vitam venturi saeculi. the dead, and the life of
Amen. the world to come. Amen.
(At High Mass the choir sings the Credo and the
clergy sit down mitil its conclusion.)
Then the celebrant kisses the altar, and, turning
to the people, says :
F. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And v/ith thy spirit;
Ordinary of the Mass
The priest then reads
HO shall ascend into the mountain of the
Lord: or who shall stand in His holy
place ?
The innocent in hands, and clean of heart
(Ps. xxiii. 3, 4).
A sacrilice to God is an afflicted spirit : a
contrite and humble heart, 0 God, Thou wilt
not despise (Ps. 1. 19).
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a
contrite heart : and He will save the humble
of spirit (Ps. xxxiii. 19).
Create a clean heart in me, 0 God : and
renew a right spirit within me (Ps. 1. 12).
This being finished, the priest takes the paten
with the Host (if it is Solemn Mass, the deacon hands
the priest the paten with the Host), and offering it up,
says :
^TusciPE, sancte Pater, *TTpccEPT, O holy
omnipotens, aeterne Father, almighty,
Deus hanc immaculatam everlasting God, this stain-
Hostiam, quam ego indig- less Host, which I, Thy un-
nus famulus tuus offero worthy servant, offer unto
tibi Deo meo vivo et vero. Thee, my living and true
pro innumerabilibus pec- God, for my innumerable
catis, et offensionibus, et sins, offenses, and negli-
negligentiis meis, et pro gences, and for all here
omnibus circumstantibus ; present ; as also for all
1 The choir sings the Offertory, or some suitable anthem or
hymn.
178
Ordinary of the Mass
sed et pro omnibus fideli- faithful Christians, both
bus Christianis, vivis at- hving and dead, that it
que defunctis ; ut mihi may be profitable for my
et illis proficiat ad salu- own and for their salva-
tem in vitam aeternam. tion unto life eternal.
Amen. Amen.
Then, making the sign of the cross with the paten,
he places the Host upon the corporal. The priest
pours wine and water into the chalice, blessing the
water before it is mixed, saying :
'TP^eus, ^ qui humanae
substantias dignita-
tem mirabiliter condidisti,
et mirabilius reformasti :
da nobis per hujus aquae
et vini mysterium, ejus
divinitatis esse consortes,
qui humanitatis nostrae
fieri dignatus est parti-
ceps, Jesus Christus, Filius
tuus, Dominus noster ;
qui tecum vivit et regnat
in unitate Spiritus Sancti
Deus, per omnia saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
OGoD, ^ Who hast
wonderfully framed
man's exalted nature, and
still more wonderfully re-
stored it: grant us, by
the mystic signification
of this commingling of
water and wine, to become
partakers of the Godhead
of Him Who vouchsafed
to become partaker of our
manhood, Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, our Lord ; Who
Hveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of
the Holy Ghost ; world
without end. Amen.
(If it is a Solemn Mass, the deacon ministers the
wine, the subdeacon the water.) Offering up the
chalice, he says :
/^FFERiMus Tibi, Dom- /TTT'e offer unto Thee,
ine, calicem saluta- VJdA* 0 Lord, the chalice
ris, Tuam deprecantes of salvation, beseeching
Ordinary of the Mass
179
clementiam, ut in con- Thy clemency that, in the
spectu divinae Majestatis sight of Thy divine Maj-
Tuas, pro nostra et totius esty, it may ascend with
mundi salute cum odore the odor of sweetness for
suavitatis ascendat. our salvation, and for
that of the w^hole world.
Amen. Amen.
Then making the sign of the cross with the chalice,
and placing it on the corporal, he covers it wdth the pall.
At Solemn Mass the subdeacon here receives the
paten, and, wTapping it up in the veil withw^hich his
shoulders are covered, he goes and stands behind the
celebrant until toward the end of the Pater Noster.
Bowing down, the priest says :
IN SPiRiTU humihtatis, 'T'n a humble spirit and a
et in animo contrito, contrite heart may we
suscipiamur a Te, Do- be received by Thee, O
mine, et sic fiat sacriiicium Lord ; and let our sacri-
nostrum in conspectu Tuo fice be so made in Thy
hodie, ut placeat Tibi, Do- sight this day that it may
mine Deus. please Thee, O Lord God.
Raising his eyes and stretching out his hands, he
says :
VENi, sanctificator /^ome, O Sanctifier, al-
omnipotens, aeterne mighty, eternal God,
Deus, et bene ►fj die hoc and bless this sacrifice
sacrificium, Tuo sancto set forth to Thy holy
nomini praeparatum. name.
At Solemn Mass the celebrant blesses the incense :
i8o Ordinary of the Mass
ER intercessionem ^-Ki y the intercession of
beati Michaelis blessed Michael the
Archangeli; stantis a dex- archangel, standing at the
tris altaris incensi, et right hand of the altar
omnium electorum suo- of incense, and of all His
rum, incensum istud elect, may the Lord vouch-
dignetur Dominus bene- safe to bless this incense,
dicere, et in odorem and receive it as an odor
suavitatis accipere. Per of sweetness. Through
Christum Dominum nos- Christ our Lord. Amen,
trum. Amen.
He incenses the bread and wine, saying :
INCENSUM istud a Te
benedictum ascendat
ad Te, Domine, et descen-
dat super nos misericordia
Tua.
QAY this incense w^hich
Thou hast blessed,
O Lord, ascend to Thee,
and may Thy mercy
descend upon us.
Then he incenses the altar, saying :
"tT^irigatur, Domine,
oratio mea sicut in-
censum in conspectu Tuo :
elevatio manuum mearum
sacrificium vesper tinum.
Pone, Domine, custo-
diam ori meo, et ostium
circumstantiae labiis meis.
Ut non decHnet cor
meum in verba mahtiae,
ad excusandas excusatio-
nes in peccatis.
*Tr^ET my prayer, O
JLJ Lord, be directed as
incense in Thy sight : and
the lifting up of my hands
as the evening sacrifice.
Set a watch, O Lord,
before my mouth, and a
door round about my lips.
That my heart may not
incline to evil words, to
make excuses in sins.
Giving the censer to the deacon, he says :
Ordinary of the Mass
i8i
'TT'ccendat in nobis
<v^-» Dominus ignem Sui
amoris et flammam seter-
nge caritatis. Amen.
(SX'
iAY the Lord enkindle
in us the fire of His
love, and the flame of
everlasting charity. Amen.
Here the celebrant is incensed by the deacon,
who next incenses the clergy present in choir and the
other ministers at the altar.
The priest, with his hands joined, goes to the
Epistle side of the altar, where he washes his fingers
while he recites the following :
* I 'avabo inter innocen-
i**— ^ tes manus meas : et
circumdabo altare Tuum,
Domine.
Ut audiam vocem lau-
dis : et enarrem universa
mirabilia Tua.
Domine, dilexi decorem
domus tuae, et locum ha-
bitationis gloriae tuae.
Ne perdas cum impiis,
Deus, animam meam ; et
cum viris sanguinum vi-
tam meam.
In quorum manibus ini-
quitates sunt : dextera
eorum repleta estmuneri-
bus.
Ego autem in innocen-
tia mea ingressus sum :
redime me et miserere
mei,
I WILL wash my hands
among the innocent;
and will compass Thy
altar, 0 Lord.
That I may hear the
voice of Thy praise and
tell of all Thy wondrous
works.
I have loved, O Lord,
the beauty of Thy house,
and the place where Thy
glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul,
0 God, with the wicked,
nor my life with men of
blood.
In whose hands are
iniquities : their right
hand is filled with gifts.
But as for me, I have
walked in my innocence :
redeem me, and have
mercy on me.
l82
Ordinary of the Mass
Pes meus stetit in di-
recto : in ecclesiis bene-
dicam Te, Domine.
Gloria Patri, etc.^
My foot hath stood in
the direct way : in the
churches I will bless Thee.
O Lord.
Glory be to the Father,
etc.i
Returning, and bowing before the middle of the
altar, w4th joined hands, he says :
usciPE, sancta Trini- eceive, OHoly Trin-
tas, hanc oblationem r-'-Aj ity, this oblation,
quam Tibi offerimus ob which we offer unto Thee,
memoriam, passionis, res- in memory of the passion,
urrectionis, et ascensionis resurrection, and ascension
Jesu Christi Domini nos- of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
tri: et in honorem beatae and in honor of blessed
Marias semper Virginis, Mary ever Virgin, blessed
et beati Joannis Baptistae, John the Baptist, of the
et sanctorum apostolorum holy apostles Peter and
Petri et Pauli, et istorum Paul, of these and of all
et omnium sanctorum : the saints : that it may be
ut illis proficiat ad hono- available to their honor
rem, nobis autem ad salu- and our salvation : and
tem: et illi pro nobis in- may they vouchsafe to
tercedere dignentur in intercede for us in heaven,
coelis, quorum memoriam whose memory we cele-
agimus in terris. Per brate on earth. Through
eumdem Christum Domi- the same Christ our Lord,
num nostrum. Amen. Amen.
Then he kisses the altar, and having t^irned himself
toward the people, extending and joining his hands,
he raises his voice a little, and says:
^ In Masses for the Dead, and in Passion time, the Gloria is
omitted.
Ordinary of the Mass
ORATE, fratres, ut *T^eay, my brethren,
meum ac vestrum J— that my sacrifice
sacrificium acceptabile fiat and yours may be accept-
apud Deum Patrem omni- able to God the Father
potentem. almighty.
The server then answers :
Suscipiat Dominus sac- May the Lord receive
rificium de manibus tiiis, the sacrifice from thy
ad laudem et gloriam hands, to the praise and
nominis Sui, ad utilitatem glory of His name, to
quoque nostram, totius- our benefit, and to that
que Ecclesiae suae sanctae. of all His holy Church.
The priest answers in a low voice, Amen.
Then, with outstretched hands, he recites the secret
prayers.
tl}e ^ecreta
An Indulgenced Offering to he Made during the
Time of Mass
6TERNAL Father, I offer to Thee the sacri-
fice which Thy beloved Son Jesus made
of Himself upon the cross, and which He now
renews upon this altar ; I offer it to Thee in
the name of all creatures, together with the
Masses which have been celebrated and which
shall be celebrated in the whole world, in
order to adore Thee, and to give Thee the
honor which Thou dost deserve, to render
to Thee due thanks for Thy innumerable bene-
fits, to appease Thy anger which our many
Ordinary of the Mass
sins have provoked, and to give Thee due
satisfaction for them ; to entreat Thee also for
myself, for the Church, for the whole world,
and for the blessed souls in purgatory. Amen.
Indulgence of three years. — Pope Pius IX, April
II, i860.
Another Ofering
£2fTERNAL Father, we offer Thee the blood,
the passion, and the death of Jesus Christ,
the sorrows of Mary most holy, and of St.
Joseph, in satisfaction for our sins, in aid of
the holy souls in purgatory, for the needs of
holy Mother Church, and for the conversion
of sinners.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pope Pius
IX, April 30, i860.
ECEiVE, O Lord, our offerings, in commem-
oration of the passion and death of our
blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, that
through His merits and by the consecration of
all the powers of our soul and body to Thy
holy service, we may persevere in Thy love and
Thy grace to the end of our days, and glorify
Thee eternally in heaven.
Defend, we beseech Thee, 0 God Almighty,
through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, of St. Joseph, and of all the saints.
Ordinary of the Mass
185
this Thy family from all adversity; and as
we prostrate ourselves before Thee v>^ith
humble and contrite hearts, do Thou gra-
ciously protect us against all the snares of our
enemies. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc.
Which being finished, he says in an audible voice:
*T^ER omnia sa^cula '^/j ■ 'orld without
saeculorum. vJlA. end.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R, And with thy spirit.
Here he uplifts his hands:
V. Sursum corda. V. Lift up your hearts.
R. Habemus ad Do- R. We have them lifted
minum. up unto the Lord.
He joins his hands before his breast and bows his
head while he says :
V. Gratias agamus Do- V. Let us give thanks
mino Deo nostro. unto the Lord our God.
R, Dignum et justum R. It is meet and just,
est.
He then disjoins his hands, and keeps them in this
posture until the end of the Preface, after which he
again joins them, and bowing, says, Sanctus, etc.^
^ At High Mass the choir sings the Sanctus (while the priest
is proceeding with the Canon) as far as the first Eosanna in
Excelsis before the Elevation; and after the Elevation, Benedic-
tus qui venity etc.
i86
Ordinary of the Mass
When he says Benedictus, etc., he signs himself with
the cross.
The following Preface is said on every Sunday in
the year that has no special preface of its own.
VERE dignum et jus-
tum est, squum
et salutare. nos Tibi sem-
per et ubique gratias agere,
Domine sancte, Pater om-
nipotens, aeterne Deus.
Qui cum unigenito Filio
Tuo et Spiritu Sancto
unus es Deus, unus es
Dominus : non in unius
singularitate Personae, sed
in unius Trinitate sub-
stantias. Quod enim de
Tua gloria, revelante Te,
credimus, hoc de Filio tuo,
hoc de Spiritu Sancto,
sine differentia discretionis
sentimus. Ut in confes-
sione verae sempiternse-
que Deitatis, et in Per-
sonis proprietas, et in
essentia unitas, et in Ma-
jestate adoretur aequali-
tas. Quem laudant angeli
at que archangeli, cheru-
bim quoque ac seraphim,
qui non cessant clamare
quotidie, una voce di-
centes :
IT IS truly meet and just,
right and available to
salvation, that we should
always and in all places
give thanks to Thee, O
holy Lord, Father al-
mighty, eternal God.
Who, together with Thy
only begotten Son and
the Holy Ghost, art one
God, one Lord : not in the
singleness of one Person,
but in the Trinity of one
substance. For what we
believe of Thy glory, as
Thou hast revealed the
same, we believe of Thy
Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, without any differ-
ence or distinction. So
that in the confession of
the tru? and eternal God-
head, we adore a distinc-
tion in the Persons, unity
in Essence, and equahty
in Majesty. Whom the
angels and archangels, the
cherubim also and sera-
phim, do praise ; who cease
not, day by day with one
voice crying out, to repeat:
Ordinary of the Mass
187
Here the bell is rung thrice.
A^XTUS, sanctus, sane- IT^oly, holy, holy, Lord
tus, Dominus Deus God of hosts.
Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli Heaven and earth are
et terra gloria tua. Ho- full of Thy glory. Ho-
sanna in excelsis. Bene- sanna in the highest,
dictus qui venit in nomine Blessed is He Who cometh
Domini. Hosanna in ex- in the name of the Lord,
celsis. Hosanna in the highest.
The priest, first extending, then elevating and
joining his hands, raising his eyes toward heaven, says
in a low voice :
'E IGITUR, clementis-
sime Pater, per Jesum
Christum Filium tuum
Dominum nostrum, sup-
plices rogamus ac petimus.
He kisses the altar.
Uti accepta habeas et
benedicas haec >h dona,
haec' ^ munera, haec *h
sancta sacrincia illibata,
in primis, quae Tibi ofleri-
mus pro Ecclesia Tua
sancta Catholica : quam
pacificare, custodire, adu-
nare, et regere digneris
toto orbe terrarum, una
cum famulo Tuo Papa
V/i I 'e, therefore, hum-
^J^^ bly pray and be-
seech Thee, most merciful
Father, through Jesus,
Christ, Thy Son, our Lord,
That Thou wouldst ac-
cept and bless these ^
gifts, these *h oblations,
these >b hoty unspotted
sacrifices, which, in the
first place, we ofi'er Thee
for Thy holy Catholic
Church : which vouchsafe
to pacify, guard, unite,
and govern throughout
the whole world, together
i88
Ordinary of the Mass
nostra N., et Antistite
nostro N., et omnibus
orthodoxis, atque Catho-
licae et Apostolicae Fidei
cultoribus.
with thy servant N., our
Pope; N., our Bishop;
as also all who are ortho-
dox in belief and who
profess the Catholic and
ApostoHc Faith.
^f)c Commemoration of tfje ILitjins
/T\emento, Domine, emember, O Lord,
famulorum famula- r-^-A» Thy servants and
rumque tuarum, N. et N., handmaids, N. and N.,
He pauses, and, joining his hands, prays silently for
those he wishes to pray for in particular ; and proceeds :
Et omnium circumstan- And all here present,
tium, quorum Tibi fides whose faith and devotion
cognita est, et nota de- are known to Thee; for
votio : pro quibus Tibi whom we offer, or who
offerimus, vel qui Tibi offer up to Thee this sacri-
offerunt hoc sacrificium fice of praise for them-
laudis, pro se, suisque selves and all pertaining
omnibus, pro redemptione to them, for the redemp-
animarum suarum, pro tion of their souls, for the
spe salutis et incolumi- salvation and well-being
tatis suae : Tibique red- they hope for, and who pay
dunt vota sua, aeterno their vows unto Thee, the
Deo, vivo et vero. eternal God, living and
true.
aOMMUNiCANTES, et ^tt'n communion with, and
memoriam veneran- JU honoring the memory,
tes, in primis gloriosae especially, of the glorious
semper Virginis Mariae, ever Virgin Mary, Mother
genitricis Dei et Domini of our God and Lord
Ordinary of the Mass
189
nostri Jesu Christi : sed
et beatorum apostolorum
ac mar ty rum tuorum,
Petri et Pauli, Andrece,
Jacobi, Joannis, Thomse,
Jacobi, Philippi, Bartho-
lomaei, Matthaei, Simonis
et Thaddasi, Lini. Cleti.
dementis, Xysti, Cor-
nelii, Cypriani, Laurentii.
Chrysogoni, Joannis et
Pauli, Cosmae et Dami-
ani, et omnium sanctorum
tuorum ; quorum meritis
precibusque concedas, ut
in omnibus protectionis
tuae muniamur auxilio.
Per eumdem Christum
Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Jesus Christ ; as also
of Thy blessed apostles
and m.artyrs, Peter and
Paul, Andrew, James,
John, Thomas, James,
Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Simon, and
Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus,
Clement, Xystus, Corne-
lius, Cyprian, Laurence,
Chrysogonus, John and
Paul, Cosmas and Da-
mian, and all Thy saints ;
by whose merits and
prayers grant that we may
in all things be defended by
the aid of Thy protection.
Through the same Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Spreading his hands over the oblation, he says :
(Here the bell is rung once.)
Axcigituroblationem ^^his oblation, there-
servitutis nostras, fore, of our ser\dce,
sed et cunctae familiae and that of Thy whole
tuae, quaesumus, Domine, family, we beseech Thee,
ut placatus accipias ; dies- 0 Lord, graciously to ac-
que nostros in Tua pace cept ; and to dispose our
disponas, atque ab seterna days in Thy peace, and to
damnatione nos eripi, et command us to be de-
in electorum tuorum ju- livered from eternal dam-
beas grege numerari. Per nation, and to be num-
Ordinary of Ike Mass
Christum Dominum nos-
trum. Amen.
bered in the flock of Thine
elect. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
QUAM oblationem, Tu 1 high oblation do
Deus, in omnibus, vScA» Thou, O God, we
quaesumus, benedick* tam, beseech Thee, vouchsafe,
adscrip'i^tam, ra^tam, in all ways, to bless, to
rationabilem, acceptabi- take it for Thy very own,
lem.que facere digneris : to approve it, to perfect
ut nobis cor'i^pus et san- it, and to render it well-
^guis fiat dilectissimi Fi- pleasing to Thyself, so that,
lii tui Domini nostri Jesu on our behalf, it may be
Chris ti. changed into the body and
blood of Jesus Christ, Thy
most dear Son, our Lord.
QUI pridie quam pate- *// I*ho, the day before
retur, accepit panem vJlA^ He suffered, took
in sanctas ac venerabiles bread into His holy and
manus suas, et elevatis venerable hands, and with
oculis in coelum, ad Te eyes lifted up toward
Deum Patrem suum omni- heaven, unto Thee, 0
potentem : Tibi gratias God, His Almighty
agens, bene-^^dixit, fregit. Father, giving thanks to
deditque discipulis suis, Thee, did bless, ^ break,
dicens : Accipite, et man- and give unto His dis-
ducate ex hoc omnes. ciples, saying : Take, and
eat ye all of this.
Holding the Host with both hands, the priest
pronounces the words of Consecration secretly, dis-
tinctly, and attentively :
Hoc EST ENiM Corpus For this is My Body.
MEUM.
Ordinary of the Mass
191
After pronouncing the words of Consecration, the
priest, kneehng upon one knee, adores the sacred
Host ; then, rising, he elevates it, and replaces it
upon the corporal, kneeling once again.
■Et tfjc Elcbatf0n of i\]t ^acrrl} lost
Contemplate Jesus hanging on the cross, and adore
the same Jesus, here present on the altar ; look at the
sacred Host and say with strong faith, firm hope, ten-
der love, and earnest devotion :
lEg ILorfi anU iB^ '^^^ ^
His Holiness, Pope Pius X, on May 18, 1907,
granted an indulgence of seven years and seven quar-
antines, to all the faithful, who, at the elevation during
Mass, or at public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,
look at the sacred Host and say: My Lord and my
God!''
(At the elevation of the Host the bell is rung thrice.)
iMiLi modo postquam 'T^n like manner, after
ccenatum est, acci- supper, taking also this
piens et hunc pr;^clarum goodly chalice into His
calicem in sanctas ac holy and venerable hands :
venerabiles manus suas : and giving thanks to Thee,
item Tibi gratias agens He blessed it, ^ and gave
bene^f«dixit, deditque dis- it to His disciples, saying :
cipulis suis, dicens : Acci- Take, and drink ye all of
pite, et bibite ex eo omnes. this.
The priest then pronounces the words of Consecra-
tion over the chahce, holding it shghtly elevated,
saying :
ig2 Ordinary o f the Mass
HiC EST ENIM CaLIX FoR THIS IS THE ChAL-
SANGUINIS MET NO VI ET ICE OF My BlOOD OF THE
^TERNI TESTAMENTI : MYS- NEW AND ETERNAL TESTA-
TERIUM FIDEi; QUI PRO MENT : THE MYSTERY OF
VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS FAITH; WHICH SHALL BE
EFFUNDETUR IN REMIS- SHED FOR YOU, AND FOR
SIONEM PECCATORUM. MANY, UNTO THE REMIS-
SION OF SINS.
He then replaces the chalice on the corporal, and
says:
Haec quotiescumque fe- As often as ye shall do
ceritis, in Mei memoriam these things, ye shall do
facietis. them in remembrance of
Me.
Making a genuflection, he adores ; then, rising, he
elevates the chalice, and, replacing it upon the corpo-
ral, makes another genuflection.
(At the elevation of the chalice the bell is rung
thrice.)
He then proceeds :
y'^NDE et memores. Do- /il I herefore, O Lord,
mine, nos servi tui, VJlA* bearing in mind the
sed et plebs tua sancta, blessed Passion of the same
ejusdem. Christi Filii tui Jesus Christ, thy vSon, our
Domini nostri tam beatae Lord, His resurrection
passionis, necnon et ab likewise from the grave,
inferis resurrectionis, sed and His glorious ascension
et in ccelos gloriosae as- into heaven, we too, Thy
censionis : offerimus prae- servants, who are, never-
clar^ Majestati Tuae, de theless, Thy holy people,
tuis donis ac datis, Hos- offer up to Thine excellent
Ordinary of tlte Mass
193
tiam ^ puram, Hostiam Majesty from among the
sanctam, Hostiam ^ things Thou hast given to
immaculatam, panem ^ us and bestowed upon us,
sanctum vitae aeternae, et a Victim which is pure, a
cahcem >h salutis per- Victim w^hich is holy,
petuae. a Victim which is stain-
less, the holy bread of
life everlasting and the cup of eternal salvation.
Extending his hands, he proceeds :
^TuPRA quae propitio ac
sereno vultu respi-
cere digneris, et accepta
habere, sicuti accepta ha-
bere dignatus es munera
pueri Tui justi Abel,
et sacrificium Patriarchae
nostri Abrahae ; et quod
tibi obtulit summus sacer-
dos tuus Melchisedech,
sanctum sacrificium, im-
maculatam hostiam.
VOUCHSAFE to look
upon it with a gra-
cious and tranquil coun-
tenance, and to accept it,
even as Thou wast pleased
to accept the offerings of
righteous Abel, Thy serv-
ant, the sacrifice of Abra-
ham, our Patriarch, and
that which Melchisedech,
Thy high priest, offered
up to Thee, a holy sac-
rifice, a victim without
blemish.
Bowing down profoundly, with his hands joined
and placed upon the altar, he says :
^TuppLiCES Te rogamus,
omnipotens Deus,
jube haec perferri per
manus sancti angeli Tui
in sublime altare tuum,
in conspectu divinae Maj-
estatis Tuae, ut quotquot
{€ I HUMBLY beseech
^^^^ Thee, almighty
God, to command that
by the hands of Thy holy
angel, this our Sacrifice be
uplifted to Thine altar on
high, into the very pres-
194
Ordinary of the Mass
ex hac altaris participa-
tione, sacrosanctum Filii
Tui Corpus ►t' et ►I^ San-
' g u i n e m sumpserimus ,
omni benedictione coelesti
et gratia repleamur. Per
eumdem Christum Do-
minum nostrum. Amen.
ence of Thy divine Maj-
esty, that as many of us
as shail, by partaking at
this altar, receive the
most sacred Body *h and
Blood ►t* of Thy Son may
be filled with all heavenly
blessing and grace.
Through the same Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of tlje Beatr
|nr|EMENTO etiam. Do- "T^ emember, O Lord,
mine, famulorum Thy servants and
famularumque Tuarum N. handmaids, N. and N.,
et N., qui nos praecesse- who have gone before us
runt cum signo fidei, et with the sign of faith, and i
dormiunt in somno pacis. sleep the sleep of peace. |
Here the priest, with hands joined, prays for such
of the dead as he wishes to pray for in particular.
Then, extending his hands, he continues :
Ipsis, Domine, et ommi- these, O Lord, and
bus in Christo quies- to all who rest in
centibus, locum refrigerii, Christ, grant, we pray
lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas. Thee, a place of refresh-
deprecamur. Per eum- ment, of light, and of
dem Christum, etc. peace. Through the same
Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here, striking his breast and slightly raising his
voice, he says :
Ordinary of the Mass
195
OBIS quoque pecca-
toribus famulis Tuis,
de multitudine misera-
tionum Tuarum speranti-
bus partem aliquam et
societatem donare digne-
ris, cum tuis Sanctis Apos-
tolis et ^Nlartyribus ; cum
Joanne, Stephano, Mat-
thia, Barnaba, Ignatio,
Alexandre, Marcellino,
Petro, Felicitate, Per-
petua, Agatha, Lucia, Ag-
nete, Caecilia, Anastasia,
et omnibus Sanctis Tuis :
intra quorum nos con-
sortium, non aestimator
meriti, sed veniae, quae-
sumus, largitor admitte.
Per Christum Dominum
nostrum.
'T^ER quem haec omnia,
«-L Domine, semper
bona creas, sancti ficas,
vivi ^ ficas, bene ^ dicis,
et prasstas nobis.
He uncovers the chalice,
then taking the Host in his
chalice in his left, he makes
over the chalice, saying :
ER ip *h sum, et cum
ip 4^ so, et in ip >h so,
est Tibi Deo Patri ^
o us also, Thy sinful
servants, who hope
in the multitude of Thy
mercies, vouchsafe to
grant some part and fel-
lowship with Thy holy
apostles and martyrs :
with John, Stephen, Mat-
thias, Barnabas, Ignatius,
Alexander, Marcellinus,
Peter, FeHcitas, Per-
petua, Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, CeciHa, Anasta-
sia, and all Thy saints :
into whose company, not
weighing our merits, but
pardoning our offences,
we beseech Thee to ad-
mit us. Through Christ
our Lord.
BY whom, 0 Lord,
Thou dost always
create, sanctify, ^ quick-
en, >h bless, ►J* and be-
stow upon us all these
good things.
and makes a genuflection ;
right hand and holding the
thrice the sign of the cross
HROUGH Him., ^ and
with Him, >h and in
Him, ►f' is unto Thee,
Ordinary of the Mass
omnipotenti, in unitate God the Father al-
Spiritus >f" Sancti, omnis mighty, in the unity of
honor et gloria. the Holy Ghost, all
honor and glory.
He here replaces the sacred Host upon the corporal,
covers the chalice, and makes a genuflection; and
rising again, he says aloud :
V. Per omnia saecula V. World without end.
sa^culorum.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Oremus
R^CEPTis salutaribus
moniti, et divina in-
stitutione formati, aude-
mus dicere :
ATER NOSTER, qui
es in coelis, sancti-
ficetur nomen Tuum : ad-
veniat regnum Tuum : fiat
voluntas Tua sicut in
coelo, et in terra. Panem
nostrum quotidianum da
nobis hodie : et dimitte
nobis debita nostra, sicut
et nos dimittimus debitori-
bus nostris. Et ne nos
inducas in tentationem.
M. Sed libera nos a
malo.
S. Amen.
Let us pray
^XITdmonished by Thy
saving precepts,
and following Thy divine
directions, we presume to
say :
OUR Father, Who art
in heaven, hallowed
be Thy name : Thy king-
dom come : Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day
o.ur daily bread : and for-
give us our trespasses, as
we forgive those who
trespass against us. And
lead us not into tempta-
tion.
R. But dehver us from
evil.
P. Amen.
Ordinary of the Mass
197
(At Solemn Mass, the deacon, toward the conclu-
sion of the Pater Noster, goes to the right hand of
the priest, where he awaits the approach of the
subdeacon, from whom he receives the paten, which
he puts into the hands of the priest.)
He takes the paten between his first and second
fingers, and says :
^1 Libera nos, quaesumus ^T^eliver us, we be-
* ' ^ Domine, ab omni- seech Thee, O Lord,
bus malis, praeteritis, prae- from all evils, past, pres-
sentibus, et futuris : et ent, and to come : and by
intercedente beata et glo- the intercession of the
riosa semper virgine Dei blessed and glorious Mary,
Genitrice Maria, cum bea- ever a virgin. Mother of
tis Apostolis tuis Petro God, of Thy holy apostles
et Paulo, atque Andrea, Peter and Paul, of x^n-
et omnibus Sanctis, drew, and of all the
saints.
Making the sign of the cross on himself with the
paten, he kisses it, and says :
Da propitius pacem in Graciously grant peace
diebus nostris : ut ope in our days : that, aided
misericordiae Tuae adjuti, by the help of Thy mercy,
et a peccato simus semper we may be always free
liberi, et ab omni per- from sin, and secure from
turbatione securi. all disturbance.
He then uncovers the chalice, makes a genuflection,
and, rising again, takes the sacred Host and breaks
it in the middle, over the chalice, saying :
Per eumdem Dominum Through the same Jesus
nostrum Jesum Christum Christ, Thy Son, Our
Filium Tuum, Lord,
igS
Ordinary of the Mass
He then places the part of the Host which he has
in his right hand on the paten. Then, breaking
off a particle of that which remains in his left hand,
he says :
Qui Tecum vivit et Who live tli and r eigne th
regnat in unitate Spiritus with Thee in the unity
Sancti Deus, of the Holy Ghost, God,
Then placing on the paten what remains in his left
hand of the sacred Host, and holding in his right hand,
over the chalice, the particle which he had broken off,
he says aloud :
V. Per omnia saecula V. World without end.
saeculorum.
R. Amen. R, Amen.
He then with the same particle of the sacred Host
makes the sign of the cross over the chalice, saying :
V. Pax ►f* Domini sit V. May the peace tft
^ semper vobis *h cum. of the Lord be 4^ always
with you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
He then puts the particle in the chalice, saying in a
low voice :
Haec commixtio et con- May this commingling
secratio corporis et san- and consecration of the
guinis Domini nostri Jesu body and blood of Our
Christi fiat accipientibus Lord Jesus Christ be unto
nobis in vitam aeternam. us that receive it effec-
Amen. tual unto life everlasting.
Amen.
Ordinary o f the Mass 199
He covers the chalice, makes a genuflection, and
then, bowing down and striking his breast three
times, he says : ^
^TJ'gnus Dei, qui tollis
c%/-*-» peccata mundi, mis-
erere nobis.
"I^Iamb of God, Who
* ' ^ takest away the sins
of the world, have mercy
on us.
Agnus Dei, qui toUis Lamb of God, Who
peccata mundi, miserere takest away the sins of the
nobis. world, have mercy on us,
Agnus Dei, qui tolHs Lamb of God, Who
peccata mundi, dona nobis takest away the sins of the
pacem. world, grant us Thy peace.
(In Masses for the Dead he says twice, Grant them
rest; and lastly. Grant them eternal rest.)
Then inclining toward the altar, with hands joined
upon it, the priest says the following prayers :
*Tpvo^iNE, Jesu Christe,
qui dixisti apostolis
Tuis, pacem relinquo vo-
bis, pacem meam do vobis:
ne respicias peccata mea,
sed fidem ecclesiae Tuae ;
eamque secundum volun-
tatem Tuam pacificare et
coadunare digneris : qui
vivis et regnas Deus, per
Lord Jesus Christ,
didst say to
I
O Who ^i^.
Thine apostles, peace 1
leave you, My peace I give
you : look not upon my
sins, but upon the faith of
Thy Church; and grant
her that peace and unity
which is agreeable to Thy
will: Who livest and
1 The choir sings the Agnus Dei, which generally continues
during the priest's communion and the ablutions.
200
Ordinary of the Mass
omnia saecula saeculorum. reignest God, world with-
Amen. out end. Amen.
(The Preceding Prayer is omitted in Masses for
the Dead.)
At Solemn Mass the deacon kisses the altar at the
same time with the celebrating priest, by whom he is
saluted with the kiss of peace with these words:
V. Pax tecum.
V. Peace be with thee.
To which the deacon answers :
R, Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
And then salutes in like manner the subdeacon,
who in turn salutes the clergy who may be present.
*T^OMiNE Jesu Christe,
Fill Dei vivi, qui
ex voluntate Patris, co-
operante Spiritu Sane to,
per mortem Tuam mun-
dum vivificasti : libera
me per hoc sacrosanctum
corpus et sanguinem
Tuum ab omnibus ini-
quitatibus meis, et uni-
versis malis : et fac me
Tuis semper inhaerere
mandatis, et a Te nun-
quam separari permittas.
Qui cum eodem Deo Patre
et Spiritu Sancto vivis et
regnas Deus, in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
OLoRD Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
Who, by the will of the
Father and the co-opera-
tion of the Holy Ghost,
hast by Thy death given
life to the world : deliver
me by this Thy most
sacred body and blood
from all my iniquities and
from all evils; and make
me always adhere to Thy
commandments, and suffer
me never to be separated
from Thee. Who with the
same God the Father and
the Holy Ghost livest
and reignest God, world
without end. Amen.
Ordinary of the Mass 201
'T^ERCEPTio corporis
r-L tui, Domine Jesu
Christe, quod ego indig-
nus sumere praesumo, non
mihi proveniat in judi-
cium et condemnationem ;
sed pro Tua pietate prosit
mihi ad tutamentum men-
tis et corporis, et ad
medelam percipiendam.
Qui vivis et regnas cum
Deo Patre, in unitate
Spiritus Sancti Deus, per
omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
Making a genuflection,
hands, the priest says :
ANEM coelestem acci-
piam, et nomen Do-
mini invocabo.
*T !et not the partaking
rL* of Thy body, O
Lord Jesus Christ, which
I, though unworthy, pre-
sume to receive, turn to
my judgment and con-
demnation ; but by Thy
mercy be it profitable to
the safety and health
both of soul and body.
Who with God the Father,
in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, livest and reignest
God, world without ena.
Amen.
and taking the Host in his
I WILL take the Bread of
heaven, and will call
upon the name of the
Lord.
The priest then, slightly inclining, takes both parts
of the sacred Host, and striking his breast and raising
his voice a little, he says three times, humbly and
with devotion :
(Here the bell is rung thrice.)
^T^OMiNE, non sum dig- "TT^ord, I am not worthy
r-Lr nus ut intres sub « * ^ that Thou shouldst
tectum meum ; sed tan- enter under my roof ; but
tum die verbo, et sanabi- say only the word, and
tur anima mea. my soul shall be healed.
202
Ordinary of the M ass
He then makes the sign of the cross on himself
with the sacred Host, holding it in his right hand over
the paten, saying :
aORPUS Domini nostri /^he Body of Our Lord
Jesu Christi custo- Jesus Christ pre-
diat animam meam in serve my soul unto life
vitam aeternam. Amen, everlasting. Amen.
He then reverently takes both parts of the Host,
joins his hands, and remains a short time in meditation
on the Most Holy Sacrament. Then he uncovers the
chahce, makes a genuflection, collects whatever frag-
ments may remain, and wipes the paten over the
chalice, saying, meanwhile :
QUID retribuam Do- ViH |*hat shall I render
mino pro omnibus VJcA* unto the Lord for
quae retribuit mihi ? Cali- all the things that He
cem salutaris accipiam, et hath rendered unto me ?
nomen Domini invocabo. I will take the chalice of
Laudans invocabo Dom- salvation, and call upon
inum, et ab inimicis meis the name of the Lord,
salvus ero. I will call upon the Lord
and give praise : and I
shall be saved from mine enemies.
He takes the chalice in his right hand, and making
the sign of the cross with it on himself, he
says :
ANGuis Domini nos- /^he blood of Our Lord
tri Jesu Christi cus- Jesus Christ preserve
todiat animam meam in my soul unto life ever-
vitam aeternam. Amen, lasting. Amen.
Ordinary of the Mass
203
He then reverently takes the precious blood. After
which he gives communion to all who are to communi-
cate.
Those who are to communicate go up to the sanctu-
ary at the Domine, non sum dignus, when the bell
rings. The acolyte spreads a cloth before them, and
says the Confiteor.
During the Confiteor the priest removes from the
tabernacle of the altar the ciborium, or vessel contain-
ing the Blessed Sacrament ; and placing it upon the
corporal, he makes a genuflection, and, turning to the
communicants, pronounces the absolution :
ISEREATUR vestri {T)AY Almighty God
omnipotens Deus, N'-^ have mercy upon
et dimissis peccatis ves- you, and forgive you your
tris, perducat vos ad sins, and bring you unto
vitam aeternam. life everlasting.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Signing them with the sign of the cross, he con-
tinues :
IXDULGENTIAM, ^ ab- fT^AY the Almighty and
solutionem, et remis- A^-^ merciful Lord grant
sionem peccatorum ves- you pardon, *h absolu-
trorimi tribuat vobis om- tion, and remission of your
nipotens et misericors sins.
Dominus.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Elevating a particle of the Blessed Sacrament,
and turning toward the people, he says :
204
Ordinary of the Mass
©CCE Agnus Dei, ecce '"KiEHOLD the Lamb of
. qui tollis peccata God, behold Him
mundi. Who taketh away the sins
of the world.
And then says three times :
^T^OMiNE, non sum dig- *T !ord, I am not worthy
nus ut intres sub k that Thou shouldst
tectum meum ; sed tan- enter under my roof ; but
tum die verbo, et sana- say only the word, and
bitur anima mea. my soul shall be healed.
Descending the steps of the altar to the communi-
cants, he administers the holy communion, saying to
each :
aORPUS Domini nostri /T\ay the Body of Our
Jesu Christi custo- Lord Jesus Christ
diat animam tuam in preserve thy soul unto
vitam aeternam. Amen, life everlasting. Amen.
The priest then, returning to the altar, replaces the
ciborium in the tabernacle, makes a genuflection, and
closes the door. Then the acolyte pours a little wine
into the chalice, and the priest takes the first ablution,
saying :
QUOD ore sumpsimus. *Tr*NTO a pure heart, O
Domine, pura mente Lord, may we receive
capiamus; et de munere the heavenly Food which
temporali fiat nobis re- has passed our lips; be-
medium sempiternum. stowed upon us in time,
may it be the healing of
our souls for eternity.
Here the acolyte, at the Epistle corner, pours wine
and water over the priest's fingers, and the priest,
Ordinary of the Mass
205
returning to the middle of the altar, yripes his fingers
and takes the second ablution, saying :
aORPUS tuum, Domine, /T^ay Thy Body, O
quod sumpsi, et san- Lord, which I have
guis quern potavi, ad- received, and Thy Blood
haereat visceribus meis : which I have drunk, cleave
et praesta, ut in me non unto mine inmost parts ;
remaneat scelerum ma- and grant that no stain of
cula, quern pura et sancta sin may remain in me,
refecerunt sacramenta. who have been refreshed
Qui vivis et regnas in with pure and holy mys-
saecula saeculorum. Amen, teries. Who livest, etc.
Amen.
Then he wipes his lips and the chalice, w^hich he
covers, and, having folded the corporal, places it on the
altar, as at first ; he then goes to the book, and reads
the Communion. At Solemn Mass the choir sings the
Communion. The subdeacon removes the chalice to
the Credence table.
Before (Cotnmunicn
TASTE and see that the Lord is sweet :
Blessed is the man that hopeth in Him
(Ps. xxxiii. 9).
As the hart panteth after the fountains of
water, so my soul panteth after Thee, 0 God
(Ps. xii, 2, 3).
Come to Me all you that labor and are bur-
dened, and I will refresh you.
Take up My yoke upon you, and learn of
2o6 Ordinary of the Mass
Me, because I am meek and humble of heart :
and you shall find rest to your souls ; for My
yoke is sweet and My burden is light (Matt,
xi. 28-30).
Do ye manfully and let your heart be
strengthened : all ye that hope in the Lord
(Ps. XXX. 25).
Bet ot Spiritual Commumou of Saint Blpbonaua
Hlguorl
Y Jesus, I believe that Thou art in the
Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above
everything, and I long for Thee in my soul.
Since I can not now receive Thee sacramen-
tally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though Thou wert already come, I embrace
Thee and unite myself entirely to Thee ;
allow me not to be separated from Thee.
Indulgence of sixty days, once a day. — Leo. XIII,
June 30, 1893.
EJACULATIONS
Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us, inflame our
hearts with love of Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, June
16, 1893.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart
like unto Thine.
Ordinary of the Mass 207
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Jan.
25, 1868.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may ever
love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Nov. 26,
1876.
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX, May,
1854.
Sweetest Jesus, grant me an increase of faith, hope,
and charity, a contrite and humble heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Sept.
13, iS93-
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come !
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, May 4, 1906.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere .
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Sept.
23, i860.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine !
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius \T, May 24, 1776.
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the
dying, deliver the holy souls from purgatory !
Indulgence of 300 days for each recitation. — Pius X,
Nov. 6, 1906.
2o8
Ordinary of the Mass
PRAYER : O JESUS, LIVING IN MARY
Jesus, living in Mary ! come and live in Thy serv-
ants, in the spirit of Thy holiness, in the fulness
of Thy might, in the truth of Thy virtues, in the per-
fection of Thy ways, in the communion of Thy mys-
teries ; subdue every hostile power, in Thy spirit for
the glory of the Father. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Oct. 14,
1859.
^^OUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me:
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the evil enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come unto Thee.
That with all Thy saints I may praise Thee
For all eternity. Amen.
'T^OUR forth, we beseech thee, O Lord,
Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to
whom the incarnation of Christ Thy Son was
made known by the message of an angel, may,
by His passion and cross, be brought to the
glory of His resurrection.
Ordinary of the Mass 209
Prayer
God, Who, through the fruitful virginity
of blessed Mary, hast assured to mankind
the blessings of eternal life : grant, we be-
seech Thee, that she, in whom our race was
found worthy to receive the Author of life, may
plead unceasingly for us to the same Jesus
Christ, our Lord.
Prayer
^y God, Who in Thine ineffable providence
didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph
to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother,
grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to
have him whom we venerate as our protector
on earth, as our intercessor in heaven. Who
livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Afterward he turns again toward the people, and
says :
F. Dominus vobiscum. V . The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And w^ith thy spirit.
V, lit, missa est. V. Go, the Mass is
ended.
Or, when the Gloria in Excelsis has been omitted, he
turns to the altar and says :
V. Benedicamus Do- V. Let us bless the
mino. Lord.
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
2IO
Ordinary of the Mass
In Masses for the Dead :
V. Requiescant
pace.
R. Amen.
in V. May they rest in
peace.
R. Amen.
(At Solemn Mass, Ite, missa est, or Benedicamus
Domino is chanted by the deacon.)
Bowing before the altar, the priest says :
"T^LACEAT Tibi, sancta /TT^ay the performance
r-L Trinitas, obsequium r^^A of my homage be
servitutis meae ; et praesta, pleasing to Thee, O Holy
ut sacrificium quod ocu- Trinity : and grant that
Ks Tuae Majestatis in- the sacrifice which I,
dignus obtuli, Tibi sit though unworthy, have
acceptabile, mihique, et offered up in the sight of
omnibus pro quibus illud Thy Majesty may be ac-
obtuH, sit, Te miserante, ceptable unto Thee, and
propitiabile. Per Chris- may, through Thy mercy,
tum Dominum nostrum, be a propitiation for my-
Amen. self, and all those for
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then he kisses the altar, and raising his eyes, and
extending, raising, and joining his hands, he bows his
head, and says :
BENEDiCAT vos om- (T|AY Almighty God
nipotens Deus, Pater N'-^ bless you ; the
et Filius, *i* et Spiritus Father, the Son, ^ and
Sanctus. the Holy Ghost.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
whom I have offered it.
At the word Deus he turns toward the people, and
makes the sign of the cross over them. (The Benedic-
Ordinary of the Mass
211
tion is omitted in Masses for the Dead.) Then, turn-
ing to the Gospel side of the altar, he says :
V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
He then makes the sign of the cross, first upon the
altar, and then upon his forehead, lips, and breast,
and begins the Gospel according to St. John, saying :
INITIUM sancti Evan-
gelii secundum Joan-
nem.
M. Gloria Tibi, Do-
mine.
IN PRiNCiPio erat Ver-
bum. et Verbum erat
apud Deum ; et Deus erat
Verbum : hoc erat in prin-
cipio apud Deum. Om-
nia per ipsum facta sunt,
et sine ipso factum est
nihil quod factum est :
in ipso vita erat, et vita
erat lux hominum ; et
lux in tenebris lucet, et
tenebrae eam non compre-
henderunt.
Fuit homo missus a
Deo, cui nomen erat
Joannes. Hie venit in
testimonium, ut testimo-
nium perhiberet de lu-
^jp^HE beginning of the
holy Gospel accord-
ing to St. John.
R. Glory be to Thee,
0 Lord.
IN THE beginning was
the Word, and the
Word was with God, and
the Word was God. The
same was in the beginning
with God. All things
were made by Him, and
without Him was made
nothing that was made :
in Him was life, and the
life was the light of men ;
and the light shineth in
darkness, and the dark-
ness did not comprehend
it.
There was a man sent
from God, whose name
was John. This m.an
came for a witness, to
give testimony of the
212
Ordinary of the Mass
mine, ut omnes crederent
per ilium. Non erat ille
lux : sed ut testimonium
perhiberet de lumine.
Erat lux vera quae illu-
minat omnem hominem
venientem in hunc mun-
dum.
In mundo erat, et mun-
dus per ipsum factus est,
et mundus eum non cog-
novit. In propria venit,
et sui eum non recepe-
runt. Quotquot autem
receperunt eum, dedit eis
potestatem filios Dei fieri ;
his qui credunt in nomine
ejus, qui non ex sanguini-
bus, neque ex voluntate
carnis, neque ex voluntate
viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.
Et Verbum caro factus
EST [Hie genuflectitur], et
habitavit in nobis ; et
vidimus gloriam ejus,
gloriam quasi Unigeniti
a Patre, plenum gratiae et
veritatis.
R. Deo gratias.
Light, that all men might
believe through him. He
was not the Light, but
he was to give testimony
of the Light. That was
the true Light, which en-
lighteneth every man that
Cometh into this world.
He was in the world,
and the world was made
by Him, and the world
knew Him not. He came
unto His own, and His own
received Him not. But
as many as received Him,
He gave them power to be
made the sons of God, to
them that believe in His
name, who are born not
of blood, nor of the will
of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made
Flesh [Here all kneel],
and dwelt among us ; and
we saw His glory, the
glory, as it were, of the
only begotten of the Fa-
ther, full of grace and
truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
When a feast falls on Sunday or other day which has
a proper Gospel of its own, the Gospel of the day
is read instead of the Gospel of St. John.
Ordinary of tJie Mass
213
aftrr lEucrg iLobj fflass
The priest with the people recites the Hail Mary
thrice, then the Salve Regina :
AIL. holy Queen. ^Mother of mercy, our life, our
sweetness, and our hope ! To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve ; to thee do we send up
our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of
mercy toward us. and after this our exile show unto
us the blessed fruit of thy womb. Jesus. 0 clement,
0 loving, O sweet Mrgin ]\Iary !
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray
OGoD, our refuge and our strength, look down in
mercy on Thy people who cry to Thee ; and by
the intercession of the glorious and immaculate \'irgin
Mary, Mother of God, of St. Joseph her spouse, of Thy
blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints,
in mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the con-
version of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation
of our holy Mother the Church. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Holy ]Slichael. Archangel, defend us in the day of
battle ; be our safeguard against the wickedness
and snares of the devil. ]\Iay God rebuke him, we
humbly pray ; and do thou, prince of the heavenly
host, by the power of God, thrust down to hell Satan
214 Masses for the Dead
and all wicked spirits, who roam through the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Leo XIII, Sept. 25, 1888.
Add the Invocation
Most sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us !
(Thrice).
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius X,
June 17, 1904.
FINAL ASPIRATIONS
Esus, Mary, and Joseph ! I give you my heart and
my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ! assist me in my last
agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ! may I breathe forth
my soul in peace with you.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius VII, April 28, 1807.
/iDasses for tbe H)ea^
FROM THE ROMAN MISSAL FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS
To be used in connection with the Ordinary of the
Mass}
1 Or, ad libitum, in connection with the Mass of Indulgenced
Prayers, or any of the other Methods of Assisting at Mass in
this book. Our main purpose in the inclusion of these Masses for
the Dead from the " Roman Missal " is to invite the attention of
devout souls to the beauty of the liturgical prayers contained
therein and to encourage them to use these prayers so that they
may offer up their supplications in behalf of the Faithful De-
parted in the very words of our Holy Mother the Church.
Masses for the Dead
215
Direct your intention by means of the foUo^ving
Offering from The Raccolta."
JntiuIgrnrrH ^^^rager to ^afti at the Beginning of fHass
TERXAL Father, I unite myself with the inten-
tions and affections of our Lady of Sorrows on
Calvary, and I offer Thee the sacrifice which Thy be-
loved Son Jesus made of Himself on the Cross, and
now renews on this holy altar : i. To adore Thee and
give Thee the honor which is due to Thee, confess-
ing Thy supreme dominion over all things, and the
absolute dependence of everything upon Thee. Thou
Who art our one and last end. 2. To thank Thee
for innumerable benefits received. 3. To appease
Thy justice, irritated against us by so many sins, and
to make satisfaction for them. 4. To implore grace
and mercy for myself, for ... , for all afflicted and
sorrowing, for poor sinners, for all the world, and for
the holy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, July 8, 1904.
The practice of offering up the Holy Sacrifice for
the suffering souls in purgatory comes down to us
from the earliest Christian times. Thus, Tertullian,
the great Christian apologist of the third century,
remarks: '' We make our oblations (that is, we offer
up Holy ]\Iass) for the dead on their anniversary day.*'
Holy Church has ever laid much stress upon this
pious and charitable custom. At his ordination every
priest has the chalice placed in his hands, with an ad-
monition that it is thenceforth for him to sa\ Mass
for the living and for the dead. And the Rubrics
of the Roman Rite direct with much insistency that
2l6
Masses for the Dead
as far as may be, no one of the Faithful be laid in.
the grave before Holy Mass has been celebrated for
the well-being of his soul. Very ancient, too, is the
usage of repeating the funeral Mass on the third,
seventh (formerly the ninth), and thirtieth days after
the death or burial. We find this expressly enjoined
in the primitive laws of Church discipline, gathered
together under the title of Constitutions of the Holy
Apostles.
A Mass for the Dead has many features which dis-
tinguish it from others. These are in part reminis-
cences of otherwise obsolete Liturgical customs, and
are in part suggested by the mournful character of
the Rite. Thus, incense is not burned at the Introit
and at the Gospel, the Psalm, Judica me Deus, is
omitted, the kiss of peace is not given, the deacon
chanting the Gospel is not accompanied by the usual
acolytes bearing candles, and no blessing is given.
Z\}t Jilass of ^11 fouls' ©as
Introit
EQUIEM, aeternam ^^ternal rest give to
dona eis, Do- them, O Lord; and
mine ; et lux perpe- let perpetual light shine
tua luceat eis. Fs. 64. upon them. Ps. A hymn.
Te decet hymnus Deus O God, becometh Thee in
in Sion ; et tibi reddetur Sion ; and a vow shall be
votum in Jerusalem: ex- paid to Thee in Jeru-
4udi orationem meam ; salem : O Lord, hear my
ad te omnis caro veniet. prayer ; all flesh shall come
Requiem, &c. is repeated, to Thee. Eternal rest.
Prayer. Fidelium Prayer. O God the
Deus omnium Conditor Creator and Redeemer of
The Mass of All SouW Day
217
et Redemptor, animabus
famulorum famuiarum
que tuarum remissionem
cunctomm tnbue pecca-
torum : ut indulgentiam,
quam semper optaverunt,
piis supplicationibus con-
sequantur.
all the faithful, to the souls
of Thy servants and of
Thine handmaidens grant
the pardon of all their
sins, that, through our
devout prayers, they may
rejoice in the full forgive-
ness for which at all times
they have hoped.
Epistle. Lectio Epistolae beati Pauli Apostoli
ad Connthios. /. xv. 51-57
ERATRES : Ecce myste-
rium vobis dico : Om-
nes quidem resurgemus,
sed non omnes immutabi-
mur. In momento, in ictu
oculi, in novissima tuba :
canet enim tuba, et mortui
resurgent incorrupti : et
nos immutabimur. Opor-
tet enim corruptibile hoc
induere incorruptionem :
et mortale hoc induere
immortalitatem. Cum au-
tem mortale hoc induerit
immortalitatem, tunc fiet
sermo, qui scriptus est :
Absorpta est mors in vic-
toria. Ubi est mors vic-
toria tua ? ubi est mors
stimulus tuus ? Stimulus
autem mortis peccatum
est : virtus vero peccati
lex. Deo autem gratias,
BRETHREN, Behold I
tell you a mystery :
we shall all indeed rise
again, but we shall not all
be changed. In a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet ; for
the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall rise
again incorruptible, and
we shall be changed. For
this corruptible must put
on incorruption, and this
mortal must put on im-
mortality. And when this
mortal hath put on im-
mortality, then shall come
to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swal-
lowed up in victory. O
death, where is thy vic-
tory ? O death, where is
thy sting ? Now the sting
2l8
Masses for the Dead
qui dedit nobis victoriam of death is sin : and the
per Dominum nostrum strength of sin is the
Jesum Christum. law. But thanks be to
God, Who hath given us
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gradual. Fs. Re- Gradual. Eternal rest
quiem aeternam dona eis, give to them, O Lord ; and
Domine ; et lux perpetua let perpetual light shine
luceat eis. V. Ps. in. In upon them. V. The just
memoria aeterna erit ju- shall be in everlasting re-
stus ; ab auditione mala membrance ; he shall not
non timebit. fear the evil hearing.
Tract. Absolve Do- Tract. Loose, O Lord,
mine animas omnium the souls of the faithful de-
fidelium defunctorum ab parted from every bond of
omni vinculo dehctorum : sin. V. Helped by Thy
V. Et gratia tua illis sue- grace, may they be
currente, mereantur eva- counted worthy to escape
dere judicium ultionis : from the avenging judg-
V. Et lucis aeternas bea- ment. V. And evermore
titudine perfrui. in joy to look upon that
light which is Thyself.
Sequence
^T^iES irae, dies ilia, *T^readed day, that day
JLJ of ire,
Solvet saeclum in favilla. When the world shall melt
in fire.
Teste David cum Sibylla. Told by Sibyl and David's
lyre.
Quantus tremor est futu- Fright men's hearts shall
rus, rudely shift,
Quando Judex est ventu- As the Judge through
rus, gleaming rift
The Mass of All Souls^ Day 219
Cuncta stricte discus- Comes each soul to closely
surus! sift.
Tuba mirum spargens Then, the trumpet's shrill
sonum refrain,
Per sepulchra regionum. Piercing tombs by hill and
plain,
Coget omnes ante thro- Souls to judgment shall
num. arraign.
Mors stupebit et natura. Death and nature stand
aghast.
Cum resurget creatura. As the bodies rising fast,
Judicanti responsura. Hie to hear the sentence
passed.
Liber scriptus proferetur, Then, before Him shall be
placed.
In quo totum continetur, That whereon the ver-
dict's based,
Unde mundus judicetur. Book wherein each deed is
traced.
Judex ergo cum sedebit. When the Judge His seat
shall gain,
Quidquid latet, apparebit: All that's hidden shall be
plain.
Nil inultum remanebit. Nothing shall unjudged
^ remain.
Quid sum miser tunc Wretched man, what can
dicturus ? I plead ?
Quem patronum ro- Whom to ask to intercede,
gaturus ? When the just much
Cum vix justus sit securus. mercy need ?
2 20 Masses for the Dead
Rex tremendae majestatis, Thou, O awe-inspiring
Lord,
Qui salvandos salvas Saving e'en when unim-
gratis, plored,
Salva me fons pietatis. Save me, mercy's fount
adored.
Recordare Jesu pie, Ah ! Sweet Jesus, mind-
ful be,
Quod sum causa tuae viae. That Thou cam 'st on earth
for me :
Ne me perdas ilia die. Cast me not this day from
Thee.
Quasrens me sedisti lassus ; Seeking me Thy strength
was spent,
Redemisti crucem passus: Ransoming Thy limbs
were rent :
Tantus labor non sit cas- Is this toil to no intent ?
sus.
Juste Judex ultionis. Thou, awarding pains
condign,
Donum fac remissionis, Mercy's ear to me incline.
Ante diem rationis. Ere the reckoning Thou
assign.
In gemisco tamquam reus : I, felon-like, my lot bewail,
Culpa rubet vultus mens : Suffused cheeks my shame
unveil:
Supplicanti parce Deus. God ! O let my prayer
prevail.
Qui Mariam absolvisti, Mary's soul Thou madest^
white,
Et latronem exaudisti, Didst to heaven the thief
invite,
Mihi quoque spem de- Hope in me these now
disti. excite.
The Mass of
Preces meae non sunt dig-
nae ;
Sed tu bonus fac benigne,
Ne perenni cremer igne.
Inter oves locum praesta,
Et ab hoedis me sequestra,
Statuens in parte dextra.
Confutatis maledictis,
Flammis acribus addictis,
Voca me cum benedictis.
Oro supplex et acclinis,
Cor contntum quasi cinis :
Gere curam mei finis.
Lacrymosa dies ilia,
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandus homo reus.
Huic ergo parce Deus :
Pie Jesu Domine.
Dona eis requiem. Amen.
ill Souls^ Day 221
Prayers of mine in vain as-
cend:
Thou art good an^ wilt
forefend,
In quenchless fire my life
to end.
Place amid Thy sheep ac-
cord,
Keep me from the tainted
horde,
Set me in Thy sight, O
Lord.
When the cursed by shame
opprest.
Enter flames at Thy behest,
Call me then to join the
blest.
Prostrate, suppliant, now
no more,
Unrepenting, as of yore,
Save me dying, I implore.
Mournful day ! that day
of sighs.
When from dust shall man
arise.
Stained with guilt his
doom to know,
Mercy, Lord, on him be
stow.
Jesus, kind ! Thy souls re-
lease.
Lead them thence to
realms of peace.
Amen.
222
Masses for the Dead
Gospel. ^ Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum
Joannem. v. 25-29
ILLO tempore: Dixit 'XT't that time, Jesus
Jesus turbis Judaeo- said to the multi-
rum : Amen, amen dico tudes of the Jews, Amen,
vobis, quia venit hora, et amen I say unto you,
nunc est, quando mortui that the hour cometh, and
audient vocem FiHi Dei : now is, when the dead
et qui audierint, vivent. shall hear the voice of the
Sicut enim Pater habet Son of God; and they
vitam in semetipso : sic that hear shall live. For
dedit et Filio vitam ha- as the Father hath life
bere in semetipso : et po- in himself, so he hath
testatem dedit ei judi- given to the Son also to
cium facere, quia Filius have life in himself; and
hominis est. Nolite mi- he hath given him power
rari hoc, quia venit hora, to do judgment, because
in qua omnes, qui in mo- he is the Son of man.
numentis sunt, audient Wonder not at this, for
vocem Filii Dei : et pro- the hour cometh wherein
cedent qui bona fecerunt, all that are in the graves
in resurrectionem vitae : shall hear the voice of the
qui vero mala egerunt, in Son of God ; and they
resurrectionem judicii. that have done good
things shall come forth
unto the resurrection of life, but they that have
done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
At the Gospel incense is not burned. Neither
does the deacon ask the priest's blessing before com-
mencing his chant, or send the Sacred Text to be
reverenced by him with a kiss at its termination.
/^FFERTORY. Domine /^ffertory. O Lord
Jesu Christe, Rex glo- Jesus Christ, thou who
The Mass of All SonW Day 223
riae, libera animas omnium
fidelium defunctorum de
poenis inferni, et de pro-
fundo lacu : libera eas de
ore leonis, ne absorbeat
eas tartarus, ne cadant
in obscurum ; sed signi-
fer sanctus Michael re-
prassentet eas in lucem
sanctam : Quam olim
Abrahae promisisti, et se-
mini ejus. V. Hostias
et preces tibi, Domine,
laudis offerimus : tu sus-
cipe pro animabus illis,
quarum hodie memoriam,
facimus : fac eas, Do-
mine, de morte transire ad
vitam : Quam olim Abra-
hae promisisti, et semini
ejus.
art the King of Glory, save
the souls of all the faithful
departed from the pains of
hell and from the deep pit:
save them from the lion's
mouth, nor suffer the fiery
lake to SAvallow them up.
nor endless darkness to
enshroud them. Rather do
thou bid holy Michael,
thy standard-bearer, to
bring them forth into
glorious light : even as of
old-time thou didst prom-
ise to Abraham and to his
seed. V, Together with
our prayers we offer thee,
O Lord, the sacrifice of
praise : do thou receive it
in behalf of the souls
whom this dav we have in
mind: lead them,0 Lord,
from death into life. Even as of old-time thou didst
promise to Abraham and to his seed.
BECRET. Hostias quae-
sumus Domine quas
tibi pro animabus famulo-
rimi famularumque tua-
rum offerimus, propitiatus
intende : ut quibus fidei
christianae meritum con-
tulisti, dones et praemium.
Per Dominum.
in Christ : deny them not
^Tecret. Look Avith fa-
vor, we beseech thee,
O Lord, upon the sacrifice
which we offer up to thee
in behalf of the souls of
thy servants and of thine
handm.aidens, and deign
thereby to be appeased.
On those souls thou didst
bestow the merit of faith
its reward.
224
Masses for the Dead
Preface
The following Preface is said in all Masses for
the Dead
VERE dignum et justum 'TT't is truly meet and just,
est, aequum et salu- ^ right and profitable,
tare, nos tibi semper, et for us, at all times, and in
ubique gratias agere: Do- all places, to give thanks
mine sancte, Pater omnipo- to thee, O Lord, the
tens, aeterne Deus : per Holy One, the Father Al-
Christum Dominum nos- mighty, the Everlasting
trum. Per quem majes- God, through Christ our
tatem tuam laudant An- Lord : Through whom the
geli, adorant Dominatio- Angels praise, the Domi-
nes, tremunt Potestates. nations adore, the Powers
Coeli, coelorumque Virtu- awe-fully worship thy
tes, ac beata Seraphim, Majesty. Which the
socia exsultatione conce- heavens and the Forces
lebrant. Cum quibus et of heaven together with
nostras voces, ut admitti the blessed Seraphim joy-
jubeas deprecamur, sup- fully do magnify. And
plici confessione dicentes. do thou command that
it be permitted to our
lowliness to join with them in confessing thee, and
unceasingly to repeat :
Sanctus, etc.
aOMMUNiON. Lux aeter-
na luceat eis, Domine :
Cum Sanctis tuis in aeter-
num, quia pius es. V. Re-
quiem aeternam dona eis,
Domine ; et lux perpetua
luceat eis : Cum Sanctis.
Holy, Holy, Holy, etc.
aOMMUNiON. May light
eternal shine upon
them, O Lord : With thy
saints for ever, because
thou art merciful. V.
Eternal rest give to them,
O Lord ; and let perpetual
light shine upon them :
With thy saints.
Mass on the Day oj Death or Burial 225
POSTCOMMUNIOX. Ani-
mabus quaesumus Domi-
ne famulorum famularum-
que tuarum oratio profi-
ciat supplicantium : ut
eas et a peccatis omnibus,
exuas, et tuae redemptio-
nis facias esse participes.
Qui vivis.
PosTCOMMUNTON. May
the prayer of thy sup-
pliants, O Lord, avail the
souls of thy servants and
of thine handmaidens.
Moved by it, mayest thou
free them from their sins
and give them part in the
redemption wrought by
thee.
fHass nn t!)c Sag of t\)t DcatI} or on i\}t Sag of tj^c Burial
of of ttje JFaitfjful
FUNERAL iMass may be sung on any day of the
year, except on the three last days of Holy W eek,
Easter Sunday, Whit Sunday, Christmas Day, and
some few others of the greater festivals of the 3^ear.
And, unless on Sundays and on Feasts which are
doubles of the First Class or days which are equiv-
alently such, Low Masses, in black vestments, may
be celebrated at all times while the corpse lies in the
church awaiting burial. But no Requiem Mass may
ever be celebrated during an Exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament.
The Mass is that above given and appointed for
I All Souls' Day ; but the Collect, Epistle, Gospel^
Secret, and Postcommunion are as follows :
i 'T^RAYER. Deus, cui *T^RAYER. O God whose
' r-L proprium est mise- «J— property it is ever to
reri semper et parcere, te have mercy and to spare,
supplices exoramus pro we make humble supplica-
anima famuli tui N. quam tion to thee on behalf of the
hodie de hoc saeculo mi- soul of N., thy servant,
226
Masses for the Dead
grare jussisti : ut non tra-
das earn in manus ini-
mici, neque obliviscaris in
finem, sed jubeas earn a
Sanctis iVngelis suscipi,
et ad patriam paradisi
perduci ; ut, quia in te
speravit et credidit, non
poenas inferni sustineat,
sed audia asterna possi-
deat. Per Dominum nos-
trum.
which thou this day hast
called out of this world;
cast not that soul into the
hands of the enemy, nor
be for ever forgetful of it ;
but bid thy holy Angels
welcome it, and lead it
into heaven, its true
fatherland. Ever hath it
hoped in thee and believed
in thee : doom it not to
the flames of hell, but
vouchsafe to it that hap-
piness which hath no end.
Epistle. Lectio Epistolae beati Pauh ad
Thessalonicenses. //. iv. 12-17.
KRATRES : Nolumus vos
ignorare de dormien-
tibus, ut non contriste-
mini sicut et ceteri, qui
spem non habent. Si
enim credimus quod Jesus
mortuus est, et resurre-
xit : ita et Deus eos, qui
dormierunt per Jesum,
adducet cum eo. Hoc
enim vobis dicimus in
verbo Domini, quia nos,
qui vivimus, qui residui
sumus in adventum Do-
mini, non prasveniemus
eos, qui dormierunt.
Quoniam ipse Dominus
in jussu, et in voce Arch-
BRETHREN, WC will UOt
have you ignorant
concerning them that are
asleep, that you be not
sorrowful, even as others
who have no hope. For
if we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, even
so them who have slept
through Jesus will God
bring with him. For this
we say unto you in the
word of the Lord, that we
who are alive, who re-
main unto the com.ing of
the Lord, shall not pre-
vent them who have slept.
For the Lord himself shall
Mass on the Day oj Death or Burial 227
angeli, et in tuba Dei come down from heaven,
descendet de coelo : et with commandment, and
mortui, qui in Christo with the voice of an arch-
sunt, resurgent primi. angel, and with the trum-
Deinde nos, qui vivimus, pet of God ; and the dead
qui rehnquimur, simul who are in Christ shall
rapiemur cum illis in nu- rise first. Then we who
bibus obviam Christo in are alive, who are left,
aera, et sic semper cum shall be taken up together
Domino erimus. Itaque with them in the clouds
consolamini invicem in to meet Christ, into the
verbis istis. air, and so shall we be
always with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort ye one another with these words.
Gospel. ^ Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum
Joannem. xi. 21-27
IN ILLO tempore : Dixit 'ZX't that time, Martha
Martha ad Jesum : t^Jr^ said to Jesus, Lord,
Domine, si fuisses hie, if thou hadst been here,
frater mens non fuisset my brother had not died :
mortuus : sed et nunc scio but now also I know that
quia quaecumque popos- whatsoever thou wilt ask
ceris a Deo, dabit tibi of God, God will give it
Deus. Dicit illi Jesus : thee. Jesus saith to her,
Resurget frater tuus. Di- thy brother shall rise
cit ei Martha : Scio quia again. Martha saith to
resurget in resurrectione him., I know that he shall
in novissimo die. Dixit rise again in the resurrec-
ei Jesus : Ego sum re- tion at the last day.
surrectio, et vita : qui Jesus said to her, I am the
credit in me, etiam si resurrection and the life :
mortuus fuerit, vivet : et he that believeth in me
omnis, qui vivit, et credit although he be dead, shall
in me, non morietur in live ; and every one that
228
Masses for the Dead
aeternum. Credis hoc? liveth, and believeth in
Ait illi : Utique Domine, me, shall not die for ever,
ego credidi, quia tu es Believest thou this ? She
Christus Filius Dei vivi, saith to him, Yea, Lord,
qui in hunc mundum ve- I have believed that thou
nisti. art Christ the Son of the
living God, who art come into this world.
QTecret. Propitiare ^Tecret. In merciful for-
1^ quaesumus Domine giveness look down,
animae famuli tui N. pro O Lord, upon the soul of
qua hostiam laudis tibi N., thy servant, for which
immolamus, majestatem we this day offer up to thee
tuam suppliciter depre- the sacrifice of praise, and
cantes : ut per haec piae appeased by the holy offer-
placationis officia, perve- ing we, in atonement for
nire mereatur ad requiem his transgressions, hum-
sempiternam. Per Do- bly lay at the feet of thy
minum. divine Majesty, do thou
count him worthy to
enter into thine everlasting rest.
OSTCOMMUNION. Prae- ^T^ostcommunion. O Ai-
sta quaesumus omni- mighty God, grant,
potens Deus : ut anima fa- we beseech thee, that the
muli tui N. quae hodie de soul of N., thy servant,
hoc saeculo migravit, his which this day has passed
sacrificiis purgata, et a out of this world, may be
peccatis expedita, indul- cleansed by this sacrifice :
gentiam pariter et re- and being thus freed from
quiem capiat sempiter- guilt, may receive at thy
nam. Per Dominum. hands both full pardon
and everlasting rest.
On the third, seventh, and thirtieth days after the
death, or (if such be the custom) after the funeral
Mass on the Day of Death or Burial 229
of one of the faithful, the
but with Prayer, Secret
follows :
RAYER. Quaesumus
Domine, ut animas
famuli tui N. cujus de-
positionis diem (tertium,
vel septimum, vel trigesi-
mum) commemoramus.
Sanctorum atque electo-
rum tuorum largiri dig-
neris consortium : et ro-
rem misericordiae tuae
perennem infundas. Per
Dominum.
Secret. IMunera quae-
sumus Domine quae tibi
pro anima famuli tui X.
offerimus placatus inten-
de : ut remediis purgata
ccelestibus. in tua pietate
requiescat. Per Domi-
num.
P 0 S TC OMML'XIOX .
Suscipe Domine preces
nostras pro anima famuli
tui X. ut, si quae ei ma-
culas de terrenis contagiis
adhasserunt, remissionis
tuae misericordia delean-
tur. Per Dominum.
above ]\Iass is repeated,
and Postcommunion as
^T^RAYER. \'ouch3afe, we
|J— beseech thee. 0 Lord,
to the soul of X.. thy serv-
ant, the third [or seventh
or thirtieth) day of wliose
departure we are com-
memorating, fellowship
with thy saints and with
thine elect: and hence-
forth, for ever, pour forth
upon it the dew^ of thy
mercy.
Secret. Look down
with favor, we beseech
thee. 0 Lord, upon the
offerings we make for the
soul of X'., thy servant:
from Heaven send healing
to it. and bid it rest in the
certainty of thy love.
POSTCOMMUXIOX.
Hearken, 0 Lord, to the
prayers we put up to thee
for the soul of X'., thy serv-
ant, beseeching thee that
if aught of earthly delile-
ment yet sully it, the ful-
ness of thy loving forgive-
ness may thereof wash
away every stain.
Masses for the Dead
tlje "Enntbersars Qag of i\)t Bcatfj of (^m or iSlare of
tJje laitfjful
One solemn Mass may be sung on the anniversary
day of the death or burial of any of the Faithful, even
if a double Feast occur, provided it be not of the First
or Second Class, a Sunday or Holyday of Obligation,
or an otherwise exceptionally privileged day. And
this applies also to the foregoing Mass of the third,
seventh, or thirtieth days after a death or burial.
The Mass is said as on All Souls' Day, p. 216, but
the Collect, Epistle, Gospel, Secret, and Postcom-
munion are as follows:
'T^rayer. Deus, indul-
*J— gentiarum Domine:
da animabus famulorum
famularumque tuarum,
quorum anniversarium
depositionis diem com-
memoramus refrigerii
sedem, quietis beatitudi-
nem, et luminis clarita-
tem. Per Dominum.
'T^RAYER. O Lord, the
*J— God of mercies, grant
unto the souls of thy serv-
ants and of thine hand-
maidens the anniversary
day of whose burial we
are keeping, a place of
solace, of peaceful rest
and of glorious light.
Lesson. Lectio libri Machabaeorum. //. xii. 43-46
IN those days, the most
valiant man, Judas,
making a gathering, sent
twelve thousand drachms
of silver to Jerusalem for
sacrifice to be offered for
the sins of the dead, think-
ing well and religiously
concerning the resurrec-
tion ; (for if he had not
IN diebus illis : Vir for-
tissimus Judas, facta
coUatione, duodecim mil-
lia drachmas argenti mi-
sit Jerosolymam offerri
pro peccatis mortuorum
sacrificium, bene et reli-
giose de resurrectione
cogitans : (nisi enim eos,
qui ceciderant, resurrectu-
Anniversary Day of Death of Faithful 231
ros speraret, superfluum hoped that they that
videretur et vanum orare were slain should rise
pro mortuis) et quia con- again, it would have
siderabat quod hi, qui seemed superfluous and
cum pietate dormitionem vain to pray for the dead ;)
acceperant, optimam ha- and because he considered
berent repositam gratiam. that they who had fallen
Sancta ergo, et salubris asleep with godliness, had
est cogitatio pro defunc- great grace laid up for
tis exorare, ut a peccatis them. It is therefore a
solvantur. holy and wholesome
thought to pray for the
dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
Gospel. ^ Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum
Joannem. vi. 37-40
IN ILLO tempore: Dixit I't that time, Jesus
Jesus turbis Judaeo- cv^^ said to the multi-
rurn : Omne, quod dat tudes of the Jews. All
mihi Pater, ad me veniet : that the Father giveth me
et eum, qui venit ad me shall come to me ; and
non ejiciam foras : quia him that cometh to me I
descendi de coelo, non ut will not cast out : be-
faciami voluntatem meam, cause I came down from
sed voluntatem ejus, qui heaven, not to do my own
misit me. Hsec est au- will, but the will of him
tem voluntas ejus, qui who sent me. Now this
misit me, Patris : ut om- is the will of the Father
ne, quod dedit mihi, non who sent me, that of all
perdam ex eo, sed resus- that he hath given me, I
citem illud in novissimo should lose nothing, but
die. Haec est autem vo- should raise it up again in
luntas Patris mei, qui the last day ; and this is
misit me : ut omnis, qui the will of my Father that
videt FHium, et credit in sent me, that every one
232 Masses for the Dead
eum, habeat vitam aeter- who seeth the Son, and
nam, et ego resuscitabo beheveth in him, may
eum in novissimo die. have Hfe everlasting ; and
Secret. Propitiare I will raise him up in the
Domine supplicationibus last day.
nostris, pro animabus fa- Secret. Give ear in thy
mulorum famularumque loving kindness, O Lord,
tuarum, quorum hodie to our supplications for
annua dies agitur, pro the souls of thy servants
quibus tibi offerimus sac- and of thine handmaidens,
rificium laudis : ut eas whose anniversary occurs
Sanctorum tuorum con- to-day, and for whom we
sortio sociare digneris. offer up the sacrifice of
Per Dominum. praise : vouchsafing to
PosTCOMMUNiON. them to have part and lot
Praesta quaesumus Do- with thy saints,
mine, ut animae famu- Postcommunion.
lorum famularumque tu- Grant, we beseech thee, O
arum, quorum anniver- Lord, to the souls of thy
sarium depositionis diem servants and thine hand-
commemoramus, his pur- maidens, the anniversary
gatae sacrificiis, indulgen- day of whose burial we
tiam pariter et requiem commemorate, to be puri-
capiant sempiternam. fied by these sacrifices;
Per Dominum. and, imparting to them
thy full forgiveness, do
thou bestow upon them likewise that rest which is
everlasting.
Should the anniversary kept be of one person only, the
w^ords of the prayers are put into the singular number.
W(it Common or iBailg iilass for tfje HeaK
In these Common or Daily Masses, the number of Prayers
with their corresponding Secrets and Postcommunions may
Common or Daily Mass for the Dead 233
not. be less than three ; the first, that answering to the par-
ticular intention for which the Mass is offered up (for in-
stance, for one or for several persons deceased, for a priest,
for all buried in a graveyard, etc.), the second, either for all
deceased brethren, relatives and benefactors, or another at
choice, and the last, that for all the Faithful Departed. The
Sequence is in such Classes usually omitted. It is of coun-
sel, that should the day on which it is desired to have a oMass
said for the repose of the soul of a deceased person happen
to be one on which Masses for the Dead are not permitted,
the ]\Iass of the occurring P'east or Feria be offered up for
the intention, rather than that the benefit accruing to the
suffering soul be delayed by waiting until a day, on which
a Mass in black vestments may be said, supervene.
IXTROIT
EQUiEM, aeternam Asternal rest give to
dona eis, Domine ; them, 0 Lord ; and
et lux perpetua luceat eis. let perpetual light shine
P^. 44. Te decet hymnus upon them. Ps. A hymn,
Deus in Sion ; et tibi O God, becometh thee in
reddetur votum in Jeru- Sion ; and a vow shall be
salem : exaudi orationem paid to thee in Jerusalem :
meam ; ad te omnis caro 0 Lord, hear my prayer ;
veniet. Requiem, &c. is all flesh shall come to thee.
repeated. Eternal rest.
FOR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS DECEASED
Prayer. Deus, qui Prayer. O God, who
inter apostolicos Sacer- \vast pleased to raise thy
dotes, famulos tuos pon- servants to the dignity of
tificali, seu sacerdotali the episcopate or priest-
fecisti dignitate vigere : hood, vouchsafe to number
prsesta quaesumus ; ut them with thy bishops
eorum quoque perpetuo and priests for evermore,
aggregentur consortio. Per Dominum.
234
Masses for the Dead
FOR DECEASED BRETHREN, FRIENDS, AND BENEFACTORS
Prayer. Deus veniae
largitor, et humanae salu-
tis amator : quaesumus
clementiam tuam; ut nos-
tr£e congregationis fra-
tres, propinquos, et bene-
factores, qui ex hoc saec-
ulo transierunt beata
Maria semper Virgine in-
tercedente cum omnibus
Sanctis tuis, ad perpetuae
beatitudinis consortium
pervenire concedas.
Prayer. O God, who
art ever ready to forgive
sins and who ever seekest
the salvation of men : we
most humbly entreat of
thy mercy, that through
the intercession of blessed
Mary ever a virgin and of
all thy saints, the brethren,
friends, and benefactors of
our congregation, who
have passed out of this
world, may together enjoy
that happiness which hath no end.
FOR THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Prayer. Fidelium
Deus omnium Conditor
et Redemptor : animabus
famulorum famularum-
que tuarum remissionern
cunctorum tribue pecca-
torum ; ut indulgentiam,
quam semper optaverunt,
piis supplicationibus con-
sequantur. Qui vivis.
Prayer. O God, the
Creator and Redeemer of
all the faithful, to the
souls of thy servants and
of thine handmaidens,
grant the pardon of all
their sins, that, through
our devout prayers, they
may rejoice in the full
forgiveness for which at
all times they have hoped.
Lesson. Lectio libri Apocalypsis beati Joannis
Apostoli. xiv. 13.
IN diebus illis : Audivi ^T'n those days, I heard a
vocem_ de coelo, di- «-■-» voice from heaven,
centem mihi : Scribe : saying to me, Write,
Common or Daily Mass for the Dead 235
Beati mortui, qui in Do-
mino moriuntur. Amodo
jam dicit Spiritus, ut re-
quiescant a laboribus
suis: opera enim illorum
sequuntur illos.
Gradual. Requiem
aeternam dona eis, Do-
mine ; et lux perpetua lu-
ceat eis. V. Ps. iii. In
memoria aeterna erit
justus ; ab auditione ma-
la non timebit.
Tract. Absolve Do-
mine animas omnium
fidelium defunctorum ab
omni vinculo delictorum:
V. Et gratia tua illis suc-
currente, mereantur eva-
dere judicium ultionis :
F. Et lucis aeternas bea-
titudine perfrui.
blessed are the dead, who
die in the Lord. From
henceforth now, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest
from their labors, for
their works follow them.
Gradual. Eternal rest
give to them, 0 Lord ; and
let perpetual light shine
upon them. F. The just
shall be in everlasting re-
membrance ; he shall not
fear the evil hearing.
Tract. Loose, O Lord,
the souls of the faithful de-
parted from every bond of
sin. F. Helped by thy
grace, may they be
counted worthy to es-
cape from the avenging
judgment. F. And ever-
more in joy to look upon
that Light which is thyself.
Gospel. >b Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum
Joannem. vi. 51-55.
IN TLLO tempore: Dixit
Jesus turbis Judaeo-
urm : Ego sum panis vivus,
qui de coelo descendi. Si
quis manducaverit ex hoc
pane, vivet in aeternum : et
panis, quem ego dabo, caro
mea est pro mundi vita.
Litigabant ergo Judaei ad
^TTT't that time, Jesus
^J^-^ said to the multi-
tudes of the Jews : I
am the living bread, which
came down from heaven.
If any man eat of this
bread he shah live for ever :
and the bread that I will
give, is my flesh for the
236
Masses for the Dead
fnvicem, dicentes : Qu6-
modo potest hie nobis car-
nem suam dare ad mandu-
candum ? Dixit ergo eis Je-
sus : Amen, amen dico vo-
bis : Nisi manducaveritis
carnem Filii hominis, et
biberitis ejus sanguinem,
nonhabebitis vitam invo-
bis. Qui manducat meam
carnem, et bibit meum
sanguinem, habet vitam
aeternam : et ego resusci-
tabo eum in novissimo die.
life of the world. The
Jews therefore strove
among themselves, say-
ing, How can this man
give us his flesh to eat ?
Then Jesus said to them,
Amen, amen, I say unto
you, Except you eat the
flesh of the Son of man,
and drink his blood, you
shall not have life in you.
He that eateth my flesh,
and drinketh my blood,
hath everlasting life : and
I will raise him up in the last day.
Offertory. Domine
Jesu Christe, Rex gloriae,
libera, animas omnium
fidelium defunctorum de
poenis inferni, et de pro-
fundo lacu : libera eas
de ore leonis, ne absor-
beat eas tartarus, ne ca-
dant in obscurum ; sed
signifer sanctus Michael
repraesentet eas in lu-
cem sanctam : Quam olim
Abrahae promisisti, et se-
mini ejus. V. Hostias et
preces tibi, Domine, lau-
dis offerimus : tu suscipe
pro animabus illis, qua-
rum hodie memoriam fa-
cim.us: fac eas, Domine,
de morte transire ad vi-
Offertory. O Lord
Jesus Christ, thou who art
the King of glory, save the
souls of all the faithful
departed from the pains of
hell and from the deep pit :
save them from the lions'
mouth, nor sufiFer the fiery
lake to swallow them up,
or endless darkness to en-
shroud them. Rather do
thou bid holy Michael,
thy standard-bearer, to
bring them forth into
glorious Hght : Even as of
old-time thou didst prom-
ise to Abraham and to his
seed. V. Together with
our prayers we ofTer thee,
O Lord, the sacrifice of
Common or Daily Mass for the Dead 237
tarn : Quam olim Abrah^ praise : do thou receive
promisisti, et semini ejus, it in behalf of the souls
whom this day we have in
mind : lead them, 0 Lord, from death into life. Even
as of old-time thou didst promise to Abraham and
to his seed.
FOR DECEASED Bie
Secret. Suscipe Do-
mine quaesumus pro ani-
mabus famulorum tuo-
rum Pontificum, seu Sa-
cerdotum, quas ofTerimus
hostias : ut quibus in hoc
saeculo pontificale, seu
sacerdotale donasti me-
ritum, in coelesti regno
Sanctorum tuorum jubeas
jungi consortio. Per.
lOPS AND PRIESTS
Secret. Receive, we
beseech thee, O Lord, for
the souls of departed Bish-
ops and Priests, thy serv-
ants, the sacrifice we
offer : in this world thou
didst raise them to pon-
tifical and sacerdotal rank,
bid them now to enter
into the company of thy
saints.
FOR DECEASED BRETHREN,
Secret. Deus, cujus
misericordiae non est nu-
merus, suscipe propitius
preces humilitatis nos-
trae; et animabus fratrum,
propinquorum, et bene-
factorum nostrorum, qui-
bus tui nominis dedisti
confessionem, per haec
sacramenta salutis nos-
trae, cunctorum remissio-
nem tribue peccatorum.
didst bestow the grace t
FRIENDS, AND BENEFACTORS
Secret. O God, whose
mercies are without num-
ber, in thy loving kindness
give ear to the prayers of
our lowliness, and in vir-
tue of these sacraments
which were appointed for
the salvation of us all,
grant the forgiveness of all
their sins, to the souls of
our brethren, friends, and
benefactors, on whom thou
) confess thy holy name.
238
Masses for the Dead
FOR THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Secret. Hostias quae-
sumus Domine quas tibi
pro animabus famulorum
famularumque tuarum of-
ferimus, propitiatus inten-
de : ut quibus fidei chris-
tianae meritum contulisti,
dones et praemium.
bestow the merit of faith
its reward.
Communion. Lux
aeterna luceat eis, Do-
mine : Cum Sanctis tuis
in aeternum, quia pius es.
V. Requiem aeternam
dona eis, Domine ; et lux
perpetua luceat eis : Cum
Sanctis, &c,, is repeated.
Secret. Look with fa-
vor, we beseech thee, O
Lord, upon the sacrifice
which we offer up to thee
in behalf of the souls of
thy servants and of thine
handmaidens, and deign
thereby to be appeased.
On those souls thou didst
in Christ : deny them not
Communion. May light
eternal shine upon them,
O Lord: With thy saints
for ever, because thou art
merciful. F. Eternal rest
give to them, O Lord ;
and let perpetual light
shine upon them : With
thy saints.
for deceased bishops and priests
POSTCOMMUNION. Pro-
sit quaesumus Domine
animabus famulorum tu6-
rum Pontificum, sen Sa-
cerdotum misericordiae
tuae implorata dementia :
ut ejus, in quo sperave-
runt et crediderunt, geter-
num capiant, te mise-
rante, consortium. Per.
PosTCOMMUNiON. May,
O Lord, the abundance of
thy mercies to which we
have made appeal, avail
thy servants departed
who were bishops and
priests. In thee they
hoped, in thee they be-
lieved, may they, in thy
mercy, be united to thee
for evermore.
Common or Daily Mass for the Dead 239
FOR DECEASED BRETHREN, FRIENDS, AND
BENEFACTORS
, POSTCOMMUNION. POSTCOMMUNION. O
1* Praesta quaesumus omni- Almighty and merciful
potens et miisericors God, grant, we beseech
Deus : ut animse fratrum, thee, by virtue of this
propinquorum, et bene- sacrament, to the souls of
factorum nostrorum, pro our brethren, friends, and
quibus hoc sacrificium benefactors, in behalf of
laudis tuae obtulimus m_a- whom we have now
jestati ; per hujus virtu- offered to thy divine maj-
tem sacramenti a pecca- esty the sacrifice of praise,
tis omnibus expiate, lucis the pardon of all their sins
perpetuae, te miserante, and the happiness of being,
recipiant beatitudinem. through thy mercy, ad-
mitted to look upon thee
who art light everlasting.
FOR THE SOULS OF ALL
POSTCOMMUNION. Ani-
mabus qucesumus Do-
mine famulorum famula-
rumque tuarum oratio
proficiat supplicantium :
ut eas et a peccatis omni-
bus exuas, et tuae redemp-
tionis facias esse parti-
cipes. Qui vivis.
THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
PosTCO^^iMUNiox. May
the prayer of thy suppli-
ants, O Lord, avail the
souls of thy servants, and
of thy handmaids. Moved
by it, mayest thou free
themx from their sins, and
give them part in the re-
demption wrought by thee.
240
Masses for the Dead
Uartous ^jiragers for t?}e IBeati
I. FOR A POPE DECEASED
Prayer. Deus, qui
inter summos Sacerdotes
famulum tuum N. ineffa-
bili tua dispositione con-
numerari volmsti : praesta
quaesumus ; ut qui uni-
geniti Filii tui vices in
terris gerebat, sanctorum
tuorum Pontincum con-
sortio perpetuo aggrege-
tur. Per eumdem D6-
minum.
Secret. Suscipe Do-
mine qusesumus pro ani-
ma famuli tui N. summi
Pontificis, quas offerimus
hostias : ut cui in hoc sae-
culo pontificale donasti
meritum, in coelesti regno
Sanctorum tuorum jubeas
jungi consortio. Per.
POSTCOMMUNION.
Prosit qusesum.us Domi-
ne animae famuli tui N.
summi Pontificis mise-
ricordiae tuae implorata
dementia : ut ejus, in
quo speravit et credidit,
aeternum capiat^ te mise-
Prayer. O God who,
in thine unspeakable prov-
idence, wast pleased to
number among the su-
preme pontijffs N., thy
servant : grant, we be-
seech thee, that he who on
earth was vicar of thine
only -begotten Son, may
for evermore have place
among the holy bishops
who in heaven reign with
thee.
Secret. Receive, we
beseech thee, 0 Lord, for
the soul of thy servant N.,
sometime supreme pontiff,
the sacrifice we offer up.
In this world thou didst
raise him to episcopal
rank : bid him now to
enter into the company of
thy saints.
PosTCOMMUNiON. May,
O Lord, the abundance of
thy mercies, to which we
have made appeal, avail
N., thy servant departed,
sometime supreme pon-
tiff. In thee he believed,
in thee he hoped : may he,
Various Prayers fo?' the Dead 241
rante, consortium. Per in thy mercy, be united
Dominum. to thee for evermore.
2. For a Cardinal deceased the Prayer, Secret, and
Postcommunion are those appointed, as under, for a
Bishop, Priest, or Deacon, with mention inserted in
these of his rank as a Prince of the Church.
3. FOR A BISHOP DECEASED
Prayer. Deus. qui
inter apostohcos Sacer-
dotes famulum tuum N.
pontificaH fecisti digni-
tate vigere : prassta quas-
sumus ; ut eorum quoque
perpetuo aggregetur con-
sortio. Per.
Secret. Suscipe Do-
mine quaesumus pro ani-
ma famuh tui N. Ponti-
ficis, quas oflerimus hos-
tias : ut cui in hoc saeculo
pontificale donasti meri-
tum, in coelesti regno
Sanctorum tuorum ju-
beas jungi consortio. Per
Dominum.
PosTCOMMUxiox. Pro-
jj sit quaesumus Domine
1 1 animae famuh tui N. Pon-
' tificis misericordice tuae
implorata dementia : ut
ejus, in quo speravit et
credidit, aeternum ca-
Prayer. 0 God, who
wast pleased to raise X.,
thy servant, to the dignity
of the episcopate : vouch-
safe to number him with
thy bishops and priests
for evermore.
Secret. Receive, we
beseech thee, 0 Lord, for
the soul of thy servant
Bishop X., the sacrifice we
offer up. In this world
thou didst raise him to the
episcopal rank : bid him
now to enter into the com-
pany of thy saints.
PosTComiuxiox. ]May,
0 Lord, the abundance of
thy mercies, to which we
have made appeal, avail
Bishop X., thy servant de-
parted. In thee he be-
lieved, in thee he hoped ;
242
Masses for the Dead
piat, te miserante, con- may he, in thy mercy, be
sortiimi. Per Dominum. united to thee for ever-
more.
Or the ]
Prayer. Da nobis
Domine ut animam famuH
tui N. Episcopi, quam de
hujus saecuH eduxisti labor-
ioso certamine, Sanctorum
tuorum tribuas esse con-
sortem. Per Dominum.
Secret. Annue no-
bis quaesumus Domine
ut animae famuh tui N.
Episcopi haec prosit obla-
tio : quam immolando,
totms mundi tribuisti re-
laxari deKcta. Per Do-
minum.
POSTCOMMUNION. His
sacrificiis quassumus om-
mpotens Deus, purga-
ta anima famuH tui N.
Episcopi ad indulgentiam
et refrigerium sempiter-
num pervemre mereatur.
Per Dominum.
Prayer. Vouchsafe, Q
Lord, to admit to fellow-
ship with thy saints, the
soul of Bishop N., thy
servant, whom thou hast
called away from the toil
and strife of this world.
Secret. Be gracious to
us, O Lord, and grant that
this our offering up of the
sacrifice, by which thou
didst wash away the sins
of the world, may be of
avail to the soul of Bishop
N., thy servant.
POSTCOMMUNION. We
beseech thee, Almighty
God, that this sacrifice
may purify the soul of
Bishop N., thy servant,
and that, pardoned by
thee, he may enter into
everlasting rest.
4. FOR A PRIEST DECEASED
Prayer. Deus, qui Prayer. O God, who
inter apostolicos sacer- wast pleased to raise N.,
dotes famulum tuum N. thy servant, to the dignity
sacerdotal! fecisti digni- of the priesthood : vouch-
Various Prayers for the Dead 243
tate vigere : praesta quse-
sumus: ut eorum quoque
perpetuo aggregetur con-
sortio. Per.
Secret. Suscipe, Do-
mine quaesumus, pro ani-
ma famuli tui N. Sacer-
dotis, quas offerimus hos-
tias : ut cui in hoc sae-
culo sacerdotale donasti
meritum, in ccelesti regno
sanctorum tuorum jubeas
jungi consortio. Per.
POSTCOMMUNION.
Prosit, quaesumus Do-
mine, animae famuli tui
N. Sacerdotis, miseri-
cordiae tuae implorata
dementia : ut ejus, in
quo speravit et credidit,
aeternum capiat, te mise-
rante consortium. Per.
safe to number him with
thy bishops and priests
for evermore.
Secret. Receive, we
beseech thee, for the soul
of thy servant N., the
priest, the sacrifice we offer
up. In this world thou
didst raise him to the
priestly rank: bid him
now to enter into the com-
pany of thy saints.
POSTCOMMUNION. May,
O Lord, the abundance of
thy mercies, to which we
have made appeal, avail
thy servant departed, the
priest N. In thee he be-
lieved, in thee he hoped ;
may he, in thy mercy, be
united to thee for ever-
more.
Or the Following
Prayer. Prassta quae- Prayer. Grant, we be-
sumus Domine, ut anima seech thee, O Lord, that
famuli tui N. Sacerdotis, the soul of thy servant N.,
quem in hoc saeculo com- the priest, which whilst
morantem, sacris mune- he was sojourning in this
ribus decorasti, in coe- world, thou didst adorn
lesti sede gloriosa sem- with the graces proper to
per exsultet. Per Do- the sacred ministry, may
minum. evermore rejoice in the
glory of heaven.
244
Masses for the Dead
Secret. Suscipe Do-
mine quaesumus pro ani-
ma famuli tui N. Sacer-
dotis, quas offerimus hos-
tias : ut cui sacerdotale
donasti meritum, dones
et praemium. Per D6-
minum.
POSTCOMMUNION.
Praesta quaesumus omm-
potens Deus, ut animam
famuli tui N. Sacerdotis
in congregatione justo-
rum, aeternae beatitudinis
jubeas esse consortem.
Per Dominum.
Secret. Receive, we
beseech thee, O Lord, the
sacred victim which we
offer up for the soul of the
priest N., thy servant:
to him thou didst give
the merit of the priest-
hood, refuse him not its
reward.
PosTCOMMUNiON. O Al-
mighty God, grant, we be-
seech thee, that the soul of
the priest N., thy servant,
may be bidden to share
with the just in the glory
of life everlasting.
5. FOR A MAN, OTHER 1
Prayer. Inclina Do-
mine aurem tuam ad pre-
ces nostras, quibus mise-
ricordiam tuam supplices
deprecamur : ut animam
famuli tui, quam de hoc
saeculo migrare jussisti,
in pacis ac lucis regione
constituas, et Sanctorum
tuorum jubeas esse con-
sortem. Per Dominum.
Secret. Annue nobis
quaesumus Domine, ut
animae famuli tui haec
prosit oblatio : quam im-
EIAN A PRIEST, DECEASED
Prayer. Listen, O Lord,
to the prayers we humbly
put up to thy mercy, be-
seeching thee to vouchsafe
to appoint to the soul of
thy servant, called by thee
out of this world, a place
of light and peace, and to
bid him enter into fellow-
ship with thy saints.
Secret. Be gracious to
us, O Lord, and grant that
this offering up of the sac-
rifice, by which thou
Various Prayers for the Dead 245
molando, totius mundi
tribmsti relaxari, delicta.
Per Dominum.
PosTCOMMUNiON. Ab-
solve quaesumus Domine
animam famuli tui ab
omni vinculo delictorum ;
ut in resurrectionis gloria
inter sanctos et electos
tuos resuscitatus respiret.
Per Dominum.
didst wash away the sins
of the whole world, may
be of avail to the soul of
thy servant.
PosTCOMMUNiON. De-
liver, O Lord, the soul of
thy servant from every
bond of sin, so that in the
glory of the resurrection
he may rise to new life
with thy saints and thine
elect.
6. FOR A WOMAN DECEASED
Prayer. Quaesumus
Domine, pro tua pietate
miserere animae famulae
tuae : et a contagiis mor-
talitatis exutam, in aeter-
nae salvationis partem res-
titue. Per Dominum.
Secret. His sacri-
ficiis quaesumus Domine
anima famulae tuae a
peccatis omnibus exua-
tur, sine quibus a culpa
nemo hber exstitit : ut
per haec piae placationis
officia, perpetuam miseri-
cordiam consequatur.
Per.
POSTCOMMUNION. In-
veniat quaesumus Domine
Prayer. We beseech
thee, O Lord, in thy mercy
to have pity upon the soul
of thine handmaiden ; do
thou, who hast freed her
from the perils of this mor-
tal life, vouchsafe to num-
ber her for evermore
among the saved.
Secret. May this sac-
rifice, O Lord, cleanse the
soul of thine handmaiden
from every taint of sin, for
no one who has lived is al-
together free from guilt ;
and for the sake of these
our atoning offerings, may
she be admitted to have
part in thy mercy.
POSTCOMMUNION. May
the soul of thine hand-
246
Masses for the Dead
anima famulae tuae lucis maiden, O Lord, we be-
aeternae consortium : cujus seech thee, have her lot
perpetuse misericordiae and part in light ever-
consecuta est sacramen- lasting: for, to her thou
turn. Per Dominum. didst vouchsafe in this
world to share in the
mysteries of thine everlasting mercy.
7. FOR THE FATHER
CELEBRAT]
Prayer. Deus, qui
nos patrem et matrem
honorare praecepisti: mi-
serere clementer ani-
mabus patris et matris
meae, eorumque peccata
dimitte : meque eos in
aeternae claritatis gaudio
fac videre. Per Domi-
num.
Secret. Suscipe sac-
rificium Domine, quod
tibi pro animabus patris
et matris meae offeror
eisque ' gaudium sempi-
ternum in regione vivo-
rum concede ; meque
cum illis felicitati Sanc-
torum conjunge. Per
Dominum.
Postcommunion. Coe-
lestis participatio sacra-
AND MOTHER OF THE
S[G PRIEST
Prayer. O God, who
hast laid upon us the com-
mandment to honor our
father and mother : in thy
clemency have mercy
upon the souls of my
father and mother; for-
give them their sins and
make me to see them
again in the bright and
joyful days of eternity.
Secret. Receive, O
Lord, the sacrifice which
I offer up to thee for the
souls of my father and
mother: grant unto them
joy everlasting in the land
of the living, and make me
to share with them in the
happiness of thy saints.
Postcommunion. May
my having partaken of
Various Prayers for the Dead 247
menti quaesumus Domine thy heavenly sacrament
animabus patris et ma- avail, O Lord, to the win-
tris meae requiem et lu- ning for the souls of my
cem obtineat perpetuam : father and mother rest
meque cum illis gratia and life everlasting, and
tua coronet aeterna. Per may thy grace set the
Dominum. crown of eternal life upon
their heads, and upon
mine.
Should the Mass be offered up by a priest for his
father only, or for his mother only, the above prayers
are worded in the singular number. And similarly
when the Holy Sacrifice is offered up for the fathers
and mothers of others besides him who celebrates, in
place of my father and mother " is said " our fathers
and mothers."
8. FOR DECEASED BRETHREN, FRIENDS, AND
BENEFACTORS
The prayer, Dens Venice largitor, p. 234, with its
Secret and Postcommunion are said with the oppor-
tune variations.
9. FOR ALL WHO ARE BURIED IN A CEMETERY OR
GRAVEYARD
Prayer. Deus, cujus Prayer. 0 God, by
miseratione animae fide- whose loving kindness the
lium requiescunt : famu- souls of the faithful de-
lis et famulabus tuis, et parted find rest : grant, in
omnibus hie et ubique in thy mercy, the forgiveness
Christo quiescentibus, da of their sins to thy serv-
propitius veniam pecca- ants and to thine hand-
torum ; ut a cunctis rea- maidens, and to all who
248
Masses for the Dead
tibus absoluti, tecum sine
fine laetentur. Per eum-
dem Dominum.
Secret. Pro anima-
bus famulorum famula-
rumque tuarum, et om-
nium Catholicorum hie
et ubique in Christo dor-
mientium, hostiam Do-
mine suscipe bemgnus
oblatam : ut hoc sacri-
ficio singulari, vincuHs
horrendae mortis exuti,
vitam mereantur aeter-
nam. Per eumdem Do-
minum.
POSTCOMMUNION.
Deus, tideUum lumen
animarum, adesto sup-
pHcationibus nostris : et
da famuHs et famulabus
tuis, quorum corpora hie
et ubique in Christo re-
quiescunt, refrigerii se-
dem, quietis beatitudi-
nem, et luminis clarita-
tem. Per eumdem Do-
minum.
here or elsewhere sleep
in Christ : that cleansed
from all stain of sin they
may rejoice with thee for
evermore.
Secret. Graciously re-
ceive, 0 Lord, the sacred
victim we offer up for the
souls of thy servants and
of thine handmaidens, and
of all Catholics who,
whether in this place or in
another, sleep in Christ ;
and by virtue of this one
sacrifice free them from
the horrors of the second
death, and account them
worthy of life everlasting.
POSTCOMMUNION. 0
God, who art the light of
the souls of the Faithful,
listen to our fervent pray-
ers, and appoint to thy
servants and to thine
handmaidens whose bod-
ies, here and elsewhere,
rest in Christ, a place of
solace, of peaceful happi-
ness and of glorious light.
lO. FOR more than ONE PERSON DECEASED
Prayer. Deus, cui Prayer. O God, who
proprium est misereri alone art ever ready to
semper et parcere : pro- have mercy and to spare.
Various Prayers for the Dead
249
pitiare animabus famu-
lorum famularumque tu-
arum, et omnia eorum
peccata dimitte ; ut mor-
talitatis vinculis absolutae,
transire mereantur ad
vitam. Per Dominum.
Secret. Annue no-
bis qu£esumus Domine,
ut animabus famulorum
famularumque tuarum
haec prosit oblatio: quam
immolando, totius mundi
tribui'sti relaxari delicta.
Per Dominum.
POSTCOMMUNIOX.
Deus, cui soli competit
medicmam prasstare post
mortem : praesta quaesu-
mus, ut animae famulo-
rum. famularumque tua-
rum terrenis exutae con-
tagiis, in tuae redemptio-
nis parte numerentur.
Qui vivis.
II. FOR MORE THAN C
ANOTHER
have pity on the souls of
thy servants and of thine
handmaidens, and forgive
them all their sins that,
being now freed from the
fetters of earth, they may
be accounted worthy to
enter into that which
alone is true life.
Secret. Hear our
prayers we beseech thee,
O Lord, and grant that
this holy sacrifice, by the
offering up of which thou
didst wash away the sins
of the whole world, may
profit the souls of thy
servants and of thine
handmaidens..
POSTCOMMUNION. O
God, who alone canst
m.ake whole after death :
grant, we beseech thee,
that the souls of thy serv-
ants and of thine hand-
maidens, freed from the
perils of this mortal life,
may be numbered by thee
among those whom thou
hast redeemed.
»NE PERSON DECEASED.
COLLECT
Prayer. Animabus Prayer. In thine ever-
quaesumus Domine fa- lasting mercy, succor, we
Masses for the Dead
mulorum famularumque
tuarum, misericordiam
concede perpetuam : ut
eis proficiat in seternum,
quod in te speraverunt et
crediderunt. Per Domi-
num.
Secret. His Domi-
ne quaesumus placatus
intende muneribus: et
quod ad laudem , tui no-
minis supplicantes offeri-
mus, ad indulgentiam
proficiat defunctorum.
Per Dominum.
POSTCOMMUNION. Sup-
plices Domine pro ani-
mabus famulorum famu-
larumque tuarum preces
effundimus, obsecrantes :
ut quidquid conversati-
6ne contraxerunt humana,
et clementer indulgeas,
et in tuorum sede laetan-
tium constituas redemp-
torum. Per Dominum
nostrum.
beseech thee, 0 Lord, the
souls of thy servants and
of thine handmaidens :
that it may avail them
for eternity, the having, in
this world, believed and
hoped in thee.
Secret. We beseech
thee, 0 Lord, to look with
favor upon our offerings,
and to grant our humble
prayer, that what we to
the praise of thy name
Ijave laid before thee, may
avail to obtain the release
of the dead from suffering.
POSTCOMMUNION. We
pour forth before thee, O
Lord, our most humble
supplications for the souls
of thy servants and of
thine handmaidens, be-
seeching thee, in thy clem-
ency, to wash away every
taint of sin with which, by
conversing among men,
they may have been sul-
lied, and to give them
place among those whose
joy for evermore it is to
have been redeemed by
thee.
The Absolution
251
Cfj£ ^bsoltttton, or 5olnnn i^ragrr fnr iljr Drati, rt^antrti
aftrr a fHass of Erquirm
During a Funeral Mass the body of the deceased
person, surrounded -^ith Hghts, hes in front of the
Altar. It is so placed that if the body be that of a
priest, the head be toward the Altar and the corpse
robed (if practicable) in sacerdotal vestments as at
Mass, as it were, to face the people. The body of one
not a priest, on the contrary, should he facing the
Altar, that is, looking toward the East Avhence our
Lord will one day come to judge the world. In other
Requiem ^Masses likewise, even when the body of the
deceased is not present, a catafalque or representation
of the bier is raised before the Altar, and candles
lighted around it for the purposes of the following
ceremony, called in Liturgical language an Absolution,
because it commences with a prayer said " absolutely,"
that is, without Dominus ivbiscum, or Orc?nus, or other
customary introduction.
The last Gospel being terminated, the Celebrant
lays aside his chasuble and maniple, and vested in a
black Cope comes, attended by his deacon, to the feet
of the corpse, at the head of which the subdeacon
holds uplifted the Processional Cross, having on either
hand acolytes bearing lighted candles. The clergy
group themselves round the bier. Then the Celebrant
reads in a loud voice the following supplication:
ox intres in judi- xter not into judg-
cium cum servo vT!^ ment with thy serv-
tuo Domine, quia ant. 0 Lord; for, save
nullus apud te justihca- thou grant him forgive-
bitur homo, nisi per te ness of all his sins, no
omnium peccatorum ei man shall be justified in
252
Masses for the Dead
tribuatur remissio. Non thy sight. Wherefore
ergo eum, quaesumus, suffer not, we beseech
tua judiciahs sententia thee, the sentence thou
premat, quern tibi vera pronouncest in judgment
suppHcatio fidei chri- upon one whom the faith-
stianae commendat : sed
gratia tua ilH succurren-
te, mereatur evadere ju-
dicium ultionis, qui dum
ful prayer of thy Chris-
tian people commends to
thee, to be a doom which
shall crush him utterly.
viveret, insigmtus est sig- Rather succor him by thy
naculo sanctae Trinita- gracious favor, that he
tis : Qui vivis et regnas now escape thine aveng-
in sascula saeculorum. ing justice who, in his
R. Amen. lifetime, was sealed with
the seal of the holy Trin-
ity. Who livest and reignest world without end.
R. Amen.
Should the corpse not be present a celebrant, other
than a bishop, omits the above prayer.
All remaining standing around the bier the choir
now chants the following Responsory:
R. Libera me Domine
de morte aeterna, in die
ilia tremenda : Quando
coeli movendi sunt et
terra : Dum veneris ju-
dicare saeculum per
ignem. V. Tremens fac-
tus sum ego, et timeo,
dum discussio venerit,
atque ventura ira.
R. Quando coeli moven-
di sunt et terra. F. Dies
From everlasting death,
deliver me, O Lord, in
that awful day. When
the heavens and the earth
shall be moved: When
thou shalt come to judge
the world by fire. F.
Dread and trembling
have laid hold on me, and
I fear exceedingly because
of the judgment and of
the wrath to come. \¥hen
The Absolution
253
ilia, dies irae, calamitatis
et miseriae ; dies magna
et amara valde. R. Dum
veneris judicare saeculum
per ignem. V. Requiem
aeternam dona eis Do-
mine, et lux perpetua lu-
ceat eis. R. Libera me
Domine de morte aeterna
in die ilia tremenda :
Quando coeli movendi sunt
et terra : Dum veneris ju-
dicare saeculum per
ignem.
the heavens and the earth
shall be moved. V. O
that day, that day of
wrath, of sore distress and
of all wretchedness, that
great and exceeding bitter
day. When thou shalt
come to judge the world
by fire. V. Eternal rest
give unto him (her or
them) O Lord and let per-
petual light shine upon
him. From everlasting
death deliver me, O Lord,
in that awful day ! When
the heavens and the earth shall be moved. When
thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
Kyrie eleison. Christe Lord have mercy on us.
eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
The priest intones the first words of the Lord's
Prayer, Pater noster, which he continues silently. All
others likewise pray in silence whilst the priest, ac-
companied by his deacon, twice passes round the bier,
sprinkling it with holy water and censing it. He
resumes :
V. Et ne nos inducas
in tentationem. R. Sed
libera nos a malo.
V. A porta mferi.
R. Erue, Domine, ani-
mam ejus.
V. Requiescat in pace.
R. Amen.
V. And lead us not into
temptation. R. But de-
liver us from evil.
V. From the gates of
hell. R. Deliver his soul,
O Lord.
V. May he rest in peace,
R. x\men.
254
Masses for the Dead
V. Domine exaudi ora-
tionem meam. R. Et
clamor meus ad te veniat.
V, Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Orimus
Absolve, quaesmnus Do-
mine, animam famuli tui
N., ab omni vinculo de-
lictorum: ut in resurrec-
tionis gloria inter Sanc-
tos et Electos tuos re-
suscitatus respiret. Per
Christum Dominum nos-
trum. R. Amen.
V. O Lord hear my
prayer. R. And let my
cry come unto thee.
F. The Lord be with
you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray
Deliver, O Lord, the
soul of N., thy servant,
from every bond of sin, so
that in the glory of the
resurrection he, with thy
saints and thine elect,
may rise to a new and
better life, through Christ
our Lord. R. Amen.
Or, in place of the above, he may repeat the prayer
which he has said as the Collect in the Mass.
V. Requiem aeternam V. Eternal rest give
dona ei, Domine. R. Et unto him, O Lord. R.
lux perpetua luceat ei. And let perpetual hght
shine upon him.
Then again :
V. Requiescat in pace. F. May he rest in peace.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
F. Anima ejus, et ani- F. May his soul and
mae omnium fidelium de- the souls of all the faith-
functorum per misericor- ful departed through the
diam Dei requiescant in mercy of God rest in peace,
pace. R. Amen. R. Amen.
The Absolution
255
In fine, returning to th(
aside his vestments, the pr
ants the Psalm, De profui
suffering in Purgatory.
Ant. Si iniquitates.
Psalm 129
•"pAE profundis cla-
r-L/ mavi ad te, Do-
mine: * Domine, exaudi
vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae inten-
dentes* in vocem depre-
cationis meae.
Si iniquitates observa-
veris, Domine ; * Domi-
ne, quis sustinebit ?
Quia apud te propitia-
tio est, * et propter legem
tuam sustinui te, Domine.
Sustmuit anima mea
in verbo ejus ; * speravit
anima mea in Domino.
A custodia matutma
usque ad noctem, * spe-
ret Israel in Domino.
Quia apud Dominum
misericordia, * et copiosa
apud eum redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israel *
ex omnibus iniquitatibus
ejus.
place where he is to lay
est recites with his attend-
dis, for all the holy souls
Ant. If thou shalt ob-
serve iniquities.
Psalm 129
OUT of the depths I
have cried to thee
O Lord : Lord hear my
voice.
Let thine ears be atten-
tive to the voice of my sup-
plication.
If thou, O Lord, wilt
mark iniquities ; Lord
who shall abide it?
Because with thee there
is merciful forgiveness ;
and by reason of thy law I
have waited for thee, O
Lord.
My soul hath relied on
his word ; my soul hath
hoped in the Lord.
From the morning
watch even until night, let
Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord
there is mercy, and with
him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Is-
rael from all her iniquities.
256 Prayers for the Faithful Departed
V. Requiem aeternam V. Eternal rest give
dona eis, Domine. R. Et unto them O Lord. R,
lux perpetua luceat eis. And let perpetual light
shine upon them.
Ant. Si iniquitates ob- Ant. If thou shalt ob--
servaveris Domine: Do- serve iniquities O Lord,
mine, quis sustinebit ? Lord, who shall endure
it?
Should the Absolution be chanted for more than one
person deceased, the above Versicles and Prayers are
said in the plural number. In fine, on All Souls' Day,
when the Office is for all the faithful departed in
general, the concluding Psalm, De profundis, is
omitted.
i[nbulQence& iPrapers for tbe jf aitbful
H)eparteb ^
For Sunday
OLORD god almighty, I pray Thee by the precious blood
which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the Garden, deliver
the souls in purgatory, and especially that soul among them
all which is most destitute of spiritual aid; and vouchsafe
to bring it to Thy glory, there to 'praise and bless Thee
forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, De profundis (see p. 255) =
^From " The Raccolta" by Rev. Ambrose St. Jolin.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed 257
For Monday
OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I pray Thee by the precious blood
which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourg-
ing, dehver the souls in purgatory, and that soul especially
among them all which is nearest to its entrance into Thy
glory; that so it may forthwith begin to praise and bless
Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, De profiindis.
For Tuesday
OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I pray Thee by the precious
blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His bitter
crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and
in particular that one among them all which would be the
last to depart out of those pains, that it may not tarry so
long a time before it come to praise Thee in Thy glory and
1 bless Thee forever. Amen.
I
I Oiir Father. Hail Mary, De profiindis.
I,
; For Wednesday
I
I LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I pray Thee by the precious blood
which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the streets of
Jerusalem, when He carried the cross upon His sacred
shoulders, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially
I that soul which is richest in merits before Thee ; that so,
j in that throne of glory which awaits it, it may magnify Thee
1 and bless Thee forever. Amen.
I Our Father, Hail Mary, De profundis.
For Thursday
OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY I pray Thee by the precious body
and blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He gave
with His own hands upon the eve of His Passion to His
beloved apostles to be their meat and drink, and which He
I
I
258 Prayers for the Faithful Departed
left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and the
life-giving food of His own faithful people, deliver the souls
in purgatory, and especially that one which was most de-
voted to this mystery of infinite love, that it may with the
same Thy divine Son, and with Thy Holy Spirit, ever praise
Thee for Thy love therein in eternal glory. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, De profimdis.
For Friday
OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I pray Thee by the precious blood
which Thy divine Son shed on this day upon the wood
of the cross, especially from His most sacred hands and
feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and in particular that
soul for which I am most bound to pray ; that no neglect of
mine may hinder it from praising Thee in Thy glory and
blessing Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, De profimdis.
For Saturday
OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I beseech Thee by the precious
blood which gushed forth from the side of Thy divine
Son Jesus, in the sight of, and to the extreme pain of His
most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory, and
especially that one among them all which was the most
devout to her; that it may soon attain unto Thy glory,
there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee, world without
end. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary^ De profimdis.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XII, Nov.
18, 1826.
^^ragers for Nme or <Seijen IBag^
Any form of prayers for the holy souls, sanctioned by
competent ecclesiastical authority, may be used.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed 259
Indulgence of 300 days, each day, or a plenary indulgence
during the period. — Pius IX, Jan. 5, 1849, J^^^- ^S, 1850,
Nov. 26, 1876.
fEonti} of Nnbcmljrr
Any daily devotions for the holy souls, public or private,
will sufi&ce.
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines, each day;
plenary indulgence, once during the month. — Leo XIII,
Jan. 17, 1888.
ipragers m (JTommemoration of tfje ipassion of ^ur ILorti
for tijt iioor .Souls in iSurgators
^T^Y JESUS, by that copious sweat of blood with which
Thou didst bedew the ground in the Garden, have
mercy on the souls of my nearest relations who are suffering
in purgatory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Requiem ceternam, or. Eternal
rest give unto them, 0 Lord: And let perpetual light shine upon
them. May they rest in peace. Ame?i.
/T^Y JESUS, by that cruel scourging which Thou didst
JJL^ suffer, bound to the column, have pity on the souls of
my other relatives and friends who are suffering in purga-
tory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Requiem cBternam.
Y JESUS, by that crown of sharpest thorns which
pierced Thy sacred temples, have mercy on that soul
which is most neglected and least prayed for, and on that
soul which is furthest from being released from the pains
of purgatory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Requiem CEternam.
Y JESUS, by those sorrowful steps which Thou didst
take with the cross on Thy shoulders, have mercy on
that soul which is nearest to its departure from purgatory ;
26o Prayers for the Faithjul Departed
and by the pains which Thou didst suffer together with
Thy most holy Mother Mary, when Thou didst meet her
on the road to Calvary, dehver from the pains of pur-
gatory those souls who were devout to this beloved Mother.
Our Father, Hail M ary, Requiem ceternam.
JESUS, by Thy most holy body stretched on the cross,
by Thy most holy hands and feet pierced with hard
nails, by Thy most cruel death, and by Thy most holy
side laid open with a lance, have pity and mercy on those
poor souls ; free them from the awful pains they suffer, call
and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.
Ottr Father, Hail Mary, Requiem ceternam.
OHOLY souls, tormented in most cruel pains, as one truly
devoted to 3^ou I promise never to forget you, and
continually to pray to the Most High for your release.
I beseech you to respond to this offering which I make to
you, and obtain for me from God, with Whom you are so
powerful on behalf of the living, that I may be freed from
all dangers of soul and body; I beg both for myself and
for my relations and benefactors, friends and enemies,
pardon for our sins, and the grace of perseverance in good,
whereby we may save our souls. Set us free from all mis-
fortunes, miseries, sicknesses, trials, and labors. Obtain
for us peace of heart; assist us in all our actions; succor
us promptly in all our spiritual and temporal needs; con-
sole and defend us in our dangers. Pray for the supreme
Pontiff, for the exaltation of holy Church, for peace be-
tween nations, for Christian princes, and for tranquiUity
among peoples; and obtain that we may one day all re-
joice together in paradise. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec.
14, 1889.
Prayers for the Faithjul Departed 261
^^irager for tijr QraK
EQUIEM jEternam dona Asternal rest give unto
r-l-^ eis, Domine. them, O Lord.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat R. And let perpetual light
eis. shine upon them.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Leo XIII, March
22, 1902.
Uerstcle anK i^csponsrs for tljc Qcati
~ Wa> EQUIEM seternam dona /^N* ternal rest give unto
r-L-^ eis, Domine. \^ them, O Lord.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat R. And let perpetual light
eis. shine upon them.
V. Requiescant in pace. V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 daj^s, each time, applicable only to
the dead. — Pius X, Feb. 13, 1908.
^ouls* IBag
A plenar}^ indulgence, each time. This indulgence, hke
that of the Portiuncula, may be gained as often as a per-
son visits a church or public chapel of the Benedictines,
whether monks or nuns, between first Vespers on Nov. i
and sunset on Nov. 2. Communities and those dwelling
with them may use a semipublic chapel.
Those who wear a duly blessed medal of St. Benedict
and are hindered from visiting a church or public chapel of
the Benedictines by infirmity, enclosure, or distance (more
than a mile), may gain the same indulgence by visiting any
church or pubhc chapel. — Pius X, Feb. 27, 1907; Sept.
2 and II, 1907.
262 Prayers for the Faithful Departed
HIS heroic act of charity in behalf of the souls in pur-
gatory consists in a voluntary offering, made by any
one of the faithful in their favor, of all works of satisfaction
done by him in this life, as well as of all suffrages which
shall be offered for him after his death; by this act he
deposits all these works and suffrages into the hands of
the Blessed Virgin, that she may distribute them in behalf
of those holy souls whom it is her good pleasure to deliver
from the pains of purgatory, at the same time that he
declares that by this personal offering he only foregoes in
their behalf the special and personal benefit of these works
of satisfaction, so that, if he is a priest, he is not hindered
from applying the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to
the intention of those who give him alms for that purpose.
This heroic act of charity, called also a vow of oblation,
was instituted by Father Caspar Oliden, a Theatine. It
was he who propagated it, and it was at his prayer that
it was enriched with many indulgences.
1. An indult of a privileged altar, personally, every day
in the year to all priests who have made this offering.
2. Plenary indulgence daily, applicable only to the de-
parted.
3. Plenary indulgence every Monday to all who hear
Mass in suffrage for the souls in purgatory.
All indulgences granted, or to be granted and gained by
the faithful who have made this offering, are appUcable to
the holy souls in purgatory.
For all the faithful who can not hear Mass on Monday,
the Mass heard on Sundays is available for gaining the
indulgence. In the case of those who are not yet com-
municants, or who are hindered from communicating, their
respective ordinaries may authorize confessors to commute
the works enjoined.
Lastly, although this act of charity is denominated a vow
in some printed tracts, in which also is given a formula
for making the offering, no inference is to be drawn there-
from that this offering binds under sin ; neither is it neces-
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
263
sary to make use of the said formula, since, in order to share
in the said indulgences, no more is required than a hearty
act of our will. This act or offering may be revoked at any
time. — Benedict XIII, Aug. 23, 1728; Pius VI, Dec. 12,
1788; Pius IX, Sept. 30, 1852, Nov. 20, 1854; Pius X,
Feb. 20, 1907.
Aspirations
*T ' ORD, have mercy.
— A Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Ancient of days, Thy servants meet
To bow before Thy mercy seat.
Thou Father, Son, and Paraclete.
Miserere, Domine.
Have mercy. Lord, on all who wait
In place forlorn and lonely state.
Outside Thy peaceful palace gate.
Miserere, Domine.
These were the work of Thine own hands,
Thy promise sure forever stands ;
Release them, Lord, from pain and bands.
Miserere, Domine.
Lord Jesus, by Thy sacred name.
By Thy meek suffering and shame.
Preserve these souls from cruel flame.
Miserere, Domine.
By sweat of blood and crown of thorn.
By cross to Calvary meekly borne.
Be Thou to them salvation's horn.
Miserere, Domine,
^ By the Rev. Frederick George Lee, D.D.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
By Thy five wounds and seven cries,
By pierced Heart and glazing eyes,
By Thy dread, awful sacrifice.
Miserere, Do mine.
When here below are lifted up
The sacred Host and blessed cup.
Soon with Thee, Lord, may each one sup.
Miserere, Do mine.
By Raphael's powers and Michael's might,
By all the ordered ranks of light.
Battalions of the Infinite.
Miserere, Dominc.
By martyrs' pangs and triumph palm,
By saints' strong faith, confessors' psalm.
By Mary's name, like Gilead's balm.
Miserere, Domine.
These souls forlorn. Redeemer blest.
Never denied Thee, but confest.
Grant them at last eternal rest.
Miserere, Domine.
On earth they failed from day to day.
Oft stumbling on the narrow way,
Yet put their trust in Thee for aye.
Miserere, Domine.
Let their chill desolation cease.
Thy mercy shed and give release.
Then grant them everlasting peace.
Miserere, Domine.
For these poor souls, who may not pray — •
For gone is their probation day —
We plead Thy cross and humbly say.
Miserere, Domine.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed 265
Jesus, for Thee they keenly long,
To company with saintly throng,
And, ransomed, sing the new glad song,
Miserere^ Domine,
May they with saints in glory shine,
Joined with angelic orders nine ;
Link them with Thee in joys divine.
Miserere, Domine.
Enter may they through heaven's door,
To walk in white on yonder shore,
Forever, Lord, forevermore !
Miserere, Domine,
As pants the hart for cooling spring,
As bird flies home with wearied wing,
Homeward they turn ; Lord, homeward bring.
Miserere, Domine.
nbass in xanion wxtb tbe Sacre5
Ibeart of Jesus
TERNAL Father, I offer Thee the sacrifice
which Thy beloved Son made of Himself
on the cross, and which He now renews on
our altars. I offer it in the name of all man-
kind, together with the Masses which are now
being celebrated, and which will be celebrated
throughout the world, in order to adore Thee
and render Thee all possible honor and glory ;
to thank Thee for Thy innumerable benefits ;
to appease Thy justice and to make atone-
ment for our offenses ; and to obtain graces
and blessings for myself, for Thy Church, for
my friends and relatives, for the whole world,
and for the souls in purgatory.
I wish to assist at this Holy Mass with the
dispositions of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
when she was on Calvary, in the shadow of
the cross, offering the sufferings of her Son for
the redemption of the world. 0 Lord Jesus
Christ ! I desire to offer myself in union
with Thy Sacred Heart, for all the intentions
for which Thou now offerest Thyself to God,
Thy Father.
266
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 267
Or
Renew the Morning Offering in honor of and in
union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for your o^n
particular intentions and for the general intentions
of the Apostleship of Prayer. With regard to your
o^\n petitions be mindful of what the great Doctor of
Prayer enjoins upon us.
^Tt. Alphonsus Liguori insists repeatedly that in
}^ all our devotions, at Mass, at holy com-
munion, in all our visits to the Blessed Sacrament, we
should pray for these four graces for ourselves, viz., the
forgiveness of our sins, the love of God, the love of
prayer, and final perseverance. When these graces
are secured, our salvation is assured.
Let us pray, also, for our Holy Father, the Pope,
for the Church Mihtant and the Church Suffering,
for our Superiors and Spiritual Directors, for Priests
and Religious, for the conversion of sinners and the
propagation of the Faith, for the sick and for those who
are in their agony, for friends and relatives, for bene-
factors and enemies, and for all who have recom-
mended themselves to our prayerful remembrance.
Offering
^ MY God, I offer Thee my prayers, works,
and suflerings this day in union with the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for
which He pleads and offers Himself in Holy
Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors, in
reparation for our offenses, and for the peti-
tions of all our associates.
268 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
Or
Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, I offer Thee my prayers, works, and
sufferings of this day for all the intentions of
Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
and for the intentions of all our associates.
SHORT INDULGENCED PRAYER
By Which all the Masses Celebrated Throughout
the World are Daily Offered to God
Y God, I offer Thee all the Masses this
day celebrated throughout the world, for
sinners in their agony, and for those who shall
be overtaken by death to-day ! May the
precious blood of Jesus, our Redeemer, obtain
for them mercy !
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Dec. 18, 1907.
AT THE CONFITEOR
Q DIVINE Jesus, Thou art the Victim,
laden with all the iniquities of the world ;
Thou hast wept for our sins, and expiated
them by Thy Passion and death. I come to
mingle my tears with Thine ; I confess to
Thee, 0 Lord, in the presence of Mary, ever
Mass in Unio7i with the Sacred Heart 269
Virgin, and of all the angels and saints, that I
have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and
deed ; that it is my ingratitude which wounded
Thy Heart. O God, my Saviour, through
Thy tears, through Thy agony in the Garden
of Olives, through Thy precious blood and the
wound in Thy Sacred Heart, I beseech Thee to
pardon me, and to grant me the remission of all
my sins.
AT THE INTROIT
HY art thou sad, O my soul? And why
dost thou trouble me ? Hope in God ;
for I will still give praise to Him (Ps. xli. 6).
From the morning watch even until night,
let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with
the Lord there is mercy: and with Him plenti-
ful redemxption (Ps. cxxix. 6-8).
He shall be merciful, according to the
multitude of His mercies ; for He hath not
from His Heart laid low nor cast off the
children of men ; the Lord is good unto them
that hope in Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.
^Xome to Me, all you that labor and are
burdened, and I will refresh you'' (Matt. xi.
28).
EJACULATIONS
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee !
Indulgence of 300 days.
270 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 300 days.
AT THE KYRIE ELEI ON
HE days of propitiation have arisen upon
me ; I may call Thee, O God of Majesty,
my Saviour and my Father. Thou art present
on our altars that Thou mayest heap Thy favors
upon us. I will draw nigh, therefore, with con-
fidence unto the throne of mercy, and I will say
unto Thee : Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner !
Father in heaven, have mercy on us, the
work of Thy hands !
Heart of Jesus, have pity on us, for whom
Thou hast shed Thy most precious blood !
Holy Spirit, have compassion on us, and
sanctify us.
AT THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO "
Glory he to God on High, and on Earth Peace to
Men of Good Will
Men of good will are those who give glory to God
by loving Him and doing His holy will, by observing
His commandments, by faithfully fulfilling the duties
of their state of life ; thereby they secure for them-
selves at the same time peace of soul and true happi-
ness.
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 271
/^LORY be to God.
Blessed be God now and forever.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true
man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of
the Altar.
Peace to Men of Good Will !
EACE to those who possess the love and
grace of God. Peace to those who fight
manfully against their predominant passion
and gain the mastery over their evil inclina-
tions. Peace to those who forgive their ene-
mies, who love their fellow-men and are kind
to them in thought, word, and deed.
My God I I desire to glorify Thee by the
purest intention in all my actions. I purpose
J to do all things to Thy greater glory. Keep
j me in Thy love and Thy grace. Grant that I
may glorify Thee on earth by doing Thy will,
by my devotedness to all my duties, so that I
may one day see Thee face to face and hear
those blessed words: Enter thou into the
joy of Thy Lord.''
272 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
^'The saints shall rejoice in glory: the high
praises of God shall he in their mouths^^ (Ps.
cxlix. 5).
The souls of the just are in the hands of God:
they are in peace (Wis. iii. i).
AT THE COLLECTS
NDUE US, O Lord Jesus, with the virtues
of Thy most sacred Heart, and enkindle
in our own hearts the love with which it burns,
that thereby we may be transformed into the
likeness of Thy goodness, and may become
worthy to have place among the saints in
the blissful realms of paradise.
EJACULATION
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make
my heart like unto Thine !
Indulgence of 300 days.
*Z3rLMiGHTY God, Who, to set mankind an
example of humility, didst will that our
Exdeemer should take upon Him our human
nature, and endure the death of the cross:
grant, we beseech Thee, that we who solemnly,
commemorate His sacred Passion, m_ay ever
bear in mind the lessons of patience He has
taught us, and deserve to have part in the
glory of His resurrection.
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 273
AT THE EPISTLE
"T^Jy this hath the charity of God appeared
^^"^ toward us, because God hath sent His
only-begotten Son into the world, that we
may live by Him.
Let us, therefore, love God, because God
first hath loved us (i John iv. 9, 19).
Christ died for all, that they also who live
may not now live to them.selves, but unto Him
Who died for them and rose again (2 Cor. v. 1 5) .
And I live, now not but Christ liveth
in me (Gal. ii. 20).
Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as most
dear children :
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved
us and delivered Himself for us, an oblation,
and a sacrifice to God, for an odor of sweetness
(Eph. V. I, 2).
In this we have known the charity of God,
because He hath laid down His life for us,
and we ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren (John iii. 16).
INDULGEXCED INVOCATIONS
- My God, grant that I may love Thee, and
be the only reward of my love to love Thee
always more and more.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 18, 1890.
274 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
0 sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876.
AT THE GRADUAL
^\ ALL ye that pass by the way, attend and
see if there be any sorrow like to My
sorrow. V. Having loved His own who were
in the world, He loved them unto the end.
Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble
of Heart : and ye shall find rest to your souls.
AT THE GOSPEL
^'^^Hou shalt love the Lord thy God with
thy whole heart, and with thy whole
soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy
whole strength. This is the first command-
ment. And the second is like to it : thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There
is no other commandment greater than these
(Mark xii. 30, 31).
It was said of Jesus, as we read in the
Gospel : ^'He hath done all things well,'' and
again: ^^He went about doing good to all.''
These simple words contain the grandest
panegyric on the lifework of Our Lord, and
therein also is found a rule of life for the fol-
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 275
lowers of Christ. I will make an earnest
effort to live in accordance with the spirit of
Christ — the spirit of divine and fraternal
charity — by striving to do all things with
the purest intention for the glory of God, for
the love of God, and the love of my neighbor.
Praise, honor, and glory be to Thee, O
Jesus, Saviour of the world I Who, thirsting
for the salvation of souls, didst endure for
them so much labor and fatigue ; Who for
their sakes didst pass entire nights in prayer,
and didst weary Thyself going from city to
city, from village to village. Grant, I im-
plore Thee, that Thy love may also make me
prompt and apt in every good work, and that
I may never grow tepid in Thy service.
Help me to know and practise the holy
counsels contained in Thy Gospel, and grant
especially that I may realize the importance
of these words of Thine: ^'If any man will
come after Me, let Him deny himself, and
take up his cross and follow Me.''
^^What doth it profit a man, if he gain the
whole world, and suffer the loss of his own
soul ? Or what exchange shall a man give
for his soul?'' (Matt. xvi. 24, 26).
276 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
AT THE CREDO
'T' believe, O my God, the truths which
Thou hast revealed to Thy Church. I
desire to live and die in this faith. Grant, 0
Lord, that my life ma)^ be conformable to
my faith ; that my faith may be fruitful of
good works ; that I may never be ashamed to
declare myself a Catholic, and may constantly
maintain the interests of Thy holy religion.
0 holy Roman Catholic Church, the per-
secutions which thou hast endured, far from
weakening my faith, only strengthen it the
more, since thy divine Spouse foretold them.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, draw close the bonds
that bind me to Thy holy Church ; put into
my heart a spirit of filial obedience and per-
fect devotedness to the Holy Father, to the
prelates and priests of Thy Church. In her
bosom I became Thy child, and in her bosom
1 wish to live and die. Amen.
AT THE OEEERTORY AND SECRETA
JESUS, we draw near with confidence
to Thy sweet Heart ; cast upon us, we
beseech Thee, a look of pity, and make our
hearts a perpetual offering consecrated to
Thy glory. 0 Heart of infinite goodness, I
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 277
offer to Thee my heart ; vouchsafe to change
it, to bless and sanctify it. O my soul, how
Jesus Christ hath loved us ! At what a price
He hath redeemed us I Not with gold, not
wdth riches, but by the voluntary shedding
of His blood. He hath sacrificed Him.self
for us ; let us then live only for Him ; let us
sacrifice ourselves together with Him. O
Father in Heaven, my heart is not full enough
of love and fervor to be an offering worthy of
Thee. What then shall I give Thee ? I will
give Thee Thy Son. That Son, the most
worthy object of Thy complacency, will
supply my inability. O Lord, look not on
me, but on this divine offering.
Receive, 0 Holy Trinity, this oblation
which we make to Thee, in memory of the
Passion, resurrection, and ascension of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the
blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, of blessed John
the Baptist, of the holy Apostles, Peter and
Paul, and of all the saints, that it may be avail-
able to their honor and to our salvation ; and
may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in
heaven, whose memory we celebrate upon
earth. Through the same Christ our Lord.
' Amen.
278 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
Let us pray
' I f OOK down graciously, O Lord, upon the of-
f erings of Thy suppliant Church, and grant
that they may sanctify and save Thy people.
Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy Holy Spirit
kindle in our hearts that fire of charity which
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, sent forth
from His inmost Heart upon this earth, and
willed that it should burn exceedingly. Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of
the same Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen.
AT THE PREFACE
*Tr^irT up, 0 Lord, do Thou Thyself lift up
my heart to Thee. Take from it all un-
holy thoughts, all earthly affections. Lift it
wholly up to heaven, where Thy Heart is
worthily adored, and to the altar, where it is
about to manifest itself to me. By Thy
goodness and mercy, I beseech Thee to draw
my heart wholly into Thine. Bury it in
Thine ; may it be so absorbed into and
united to Thy Heart, that I may no longer
have any heart but Thine. Suffer m.e, then,
to join my feeble voice with the voices of all
the heavenly spirits, and in union with them to
say, in transports of Joy and admiration : Holy,
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 279
holy, holy, is the Heart of Jesus I The worthy
object of the divine complacency, and of the
homage of heaven and earth ! Heart of Jesus,
burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with
love of Thee.
EJACULATION
0 Sacred Heart of Jesus ! Thy kingdom
come.
Indulgence of 300 days.
AT THE CANON
r\ God, infinitely holy, if my sins provoke
Thee, and make me hateful in Thy sight,
look upon the Lamb without spot, that is im-
molated to take away the sins of the world,
and beholding His merits, remember not my
ingratitude. Remember only that I have
been graciously admitted into the Heart of
Thy divine Son. This Heart, infinitely merci-
ful, prayed for me on Calvary, and will soon-
renew the sacrifice of itself for me. O my
Lord, how many times have I sinned against
Thee ! How many times have I despised the
interior graces Thou hast bestowed upon me !
Oh, how earnestly I now desire a perfect con-
trition, equal to the greatness of the love
that I have offended. But since it is im-
possible for my sorrow to equal Thy good-
28o Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
ness toward me, I offer the love of the
Heart of my Lord Jesus Christ to supply
my insufficiency. Amen.
AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING
INDULGENCED PRAYER TO THE MOST SACRED HEART
OF JESUS
OST sacred Heart of Jesus, shower copiously Thy
blessings on Thy Holy Church, on the Supreme
Pontiff,* and on all the clergy ; grant perseverance to
the just, convert sinners, enlighten infidels, bless our
parents, friends, and benefactors, assist the dying,
liberate the souls in purgatory, and extend over all
hearts the sweet empire of Thy love.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
AT THE ELEVATION
Cast a look of adoration and love upon the Sacred
Host when it is elevated by the priest, and say with
devotion :
/IDl? aLor& anb /ID^ (3oM
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius
X, May 18, 1907.
OTHER INDULGENCED EJACULATIONS
C\ SACRAMENT most holy ! 0 Sacrament divine !
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine !
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 281
Indulgence of 100 days at the Elevation. — Pius
VII, June 30, 1818.
TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the Precious Blood "
of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for my sins and
for the wants of holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VII j
Sept. 22, 1817.
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved, with grate-
ful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles
of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Feb. 29, 1868.
OMY soul, behold thy God, thy Saviour, thy Judge !
here upon the altar. My God, I adore Thee !
My Saviour, I love Thee ! My Sovereign Judge,
I am sorry for ever having offended Thee ! O Heart
of my Jesus, whom I believe to be here really present,
suffer me not to be separated from Thee during life.
Grant that my heart may ever find repose in Thine,
that I may die in Thy love, and thus go to contemplate
and praise Thee throughout eternity. Amen.
My Jesus, mercy !
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 24, 1846.
My Sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge, but my
Saviour !
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX,
May 7, 1854.
282 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love !
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May, 21, 1892.
Continuation of the Canon
i\]t Mmmiti of tfje IBtati
FATHER of mercies, in the name of Thy
beloved Son, in memory and in virtue of
the wound of His Sacred Heart, His bitter
Passion, and His cruel death, in consideration
also of the dolors of the immaculate heart of
Mary, of all the loving transports of the
saints, and of all the torments of the martyrs,
I beseech Thee to have pity on the souls of
the faithful departed ; particularly on the
souls of our friends, relatives, benefactors, and
the associates of the League of the Sacred
Heart. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
O Jesus, mercy ! Blessed be Thy Sacred
Heart ! And may Thy precious blood, shed
in Thy bitter Passion for our salvation, obtain
for us that heavenly inheritance, where in
peace and joy the elect shall dwell with Thee
and bless Thee forever. Amen.
I - Mass in Union ivith ilie Sacred Heart 2 S3
Recite the Our Faiher or the following prayer :
HATHER in Heaven, Whom I have so often
and so grievously offended, pardon my
transgressions, for which I am truly sorry, and
give me Thy love ; grant that I may ever
labor for the glory of Thy holy name, that
in all things I may do Thy will, and that
I may sigh unceasingly for Thy heavenly
kingdom.
Jesus, my Lord, let the forgiveness which
Thou didst grant Thy murderers be my ex-
ample in forgiving those who have injured
me ; give me superiors, both spiritual and
temporal, that love Thee, and friends that
serve Thee faithfully ; and if ever I expose
myself to sin, do Thou deliver me from the
danger, that I may never outrage Thy loving
Heart. Amen.
(
' EJACULATION
AY the most just, most high, and most
adorable will of God be in all things
done, praised, and magnified forever.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day.
284 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
"TT^jAMB of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world, have mercy on us.
Spiritual Communion
/T\y dear Lord and Saviour. Though I am
but a sinful servant, I approach Thee with
confidence, for Thou hast said in Thy goodness
and mercy : ^'Come to Me all you that labor
and are burdened, and I will refresh you."
Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble
heart. I am truly sorry for having offended
Thee by my sins, because Thou art infinitely
good. I have wounded Thy sacred Heart by
foolishly resisting Thy holy will and trans-
gressing Thy commandments ; but I love Thee
now with my whole heart and above all things.
I adore Thee truly present on the altar. I
have a great desire, dear Jesus, to receive
Thee in holy communion, and since I can not
now approach the Holy Table, I beseech Thee
most earnestly to come to me at least spiritu-
ally and to refresh my soul with the sweetness
of Thy grace.
Come, my Lord, my God, and my All !
Come to me, and let me never again be sepa-
rated from Thee by sin. I wish to become Hke
to Thee. Teach me Thy blessed ways ; help
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 285
me with Thy grace to practise meekness, hu-
mility, purity, charity ; and ali the virtues of
Thy sacred Heart.
ji Oh, Thou Lamb of God ! Who takest away
the sins of the world, take away from me w^hat-
ever may hurt me and displease Thee. With
St. Francis of Assisi I pray: May the fire of
Thy love consume my soul, so that I may die
to self and the world for the love of Thee,
Who hast vouchsafed to die on the cross for
the love of me !
l! Jesus, I consecrate to Thee my heart with
all its affections, my soul w^ith all its powers,
and m.y body with all its senses. In union
with Thee I will live and labor and suffer to do
the heavenly Father's wilL I will ever be
mindful of the presence of my God and strive to
be perfect. Bless me in life and in death that
I may praise Thee forever in heaven. Amen.
r\ JESUS, sweetest Love, come Thou to me ;
I Come down in all Thy beauty unto me ;
! Thou Who didst die for longing love of me ;
And never, never more depart from me.
: Free me, 0 beauteous God, from all but Thee ;
' Sever the chain that holds m.e back from Thee ;
Call me, 0 tender Love, I cry to Thee ;
Thou art my all ! 0 bind me close to Thee.
— Shapcote.
286 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
^ragers after (Communion
/T\AY Thy holy mysteries, O Lord Jesus,
make us fervent in the pursuit of Thee :
and may we, by understanding the sweetness
of Thy most loving Heart, learn to turn from
the things of earth, and to cleave to those
of heaven.
Let us pray
Bow down your heads before God.
Stretch out, from heaven, O Lord, to Thy
faithful, the right hand of help : with our
whole hearts, may we seek after Thee; and
from Thee may we deserve to receive all that it
beseemeth us to ask.
It tfje iSlessing anti at tfje ILast (Sosprl
T IMPLORE Thy benediction, 0 my God!
With absolute confidence in Thy good-
ness and mercy, I resign my whole being to
whatsoever Thy divine will may ordain.
In the name of the Father ^ and of the
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place my trust in
Thee !
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 287
EJACULATION
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the
dying, deliver the holy souls from purgatory !
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Nov. 6, 1906.
Prayer
(From " The Raccolta,'' by Fr. St. John)
DIVINE Heart of Jesus, grant, we be-
seech Thee, eternal rest to the souls in
purgatory, the final grace to those who shall
die to-day, true repentance to sinners, the
light of the faith to pagans, and thy blessing
to me and mine. To Thee, 0 most compas-
sionate Heart of Jesus, I commend all these
souls, and I offer to Thee on their behalf all
Thy merits, together with the merits of Thy
most holy Mother and of all the saints and
angels, and all the sacrifices of the Holy Mass,
communions, prayers, and good works, which
shall be accomplished to-day throughout the
Christian world.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 13, 1901.
288 Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart
PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FAMILY
RANT US, O Lord Jesus, faithfully to im-
itate the examples of Thy Holy Family,
so that in the hour of our death, in the com-
pany of Thy glorious Virgin Mother and St.
Joseph, we may deserve to be received by
Thee into eternal tabernacles.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 6, 1893.
Final Prayer
^T^EAR Jesus, in the Sacrament of the Altar,
^^"^ be forever thanked and praised. Love,
worthy of all celestial and terrestrial love !
Who, out of infinite love for me, ungrateful
sinner, didst assume our human nature, didst
shed Thy most precious blood in the cruel
scourging, and didst expire on a shameful
cross for our eternal welfare ! Now, illumined
with lively faith, with the outpouring of my
whole soul and the fervor of my heart, I
humbly beseech Thee, through the infinite
merits of Thy painful sufferings, give me
strength and courage to destroy every evil
passion which sways my heart, to bless Thee
in my greatest afflictions, to glorify Thee
by the exact fulfilment of all my duties, su-
premely to hate all sin, and thus to become
a saint.
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart 289
An indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. 1, 1866.
EJACULATION
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love !
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 21, 1892.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
11 Sept. 30, 1852.
H /IDo&e of HssisttuQ at /IDass
/IDeans of IFn^ulgenceb prapets^
HESE indulgenced prayers should be said
with attention and devotion ; with a
contrite and humble heart.
More prayers are given than you will be
able to say at times during Mass — especially
at Low Mass.
There is no need of saying them all.
It is better to omit some than to repeat all
i hastily.
Select the prayers that appeal to your
piety and say them slowly and devoutly.
Many of these indulgenced prayers will be
found very serviceable not only at Mass, but
also at visits to the Blessed Sacrament, at
Vespers and Benediction, and at your private
devotions.
■ ^ 1 Commendable in particular for the relief of the holy souls
I in purgatory.
290
A Mode of Assisting at Mass
prai^ere JSefore /iBaaa
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
Tn the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX, July
28, 1863. — Indulgence of 100 days, if made with
holy water. — Pius IX, March 23, 1876.
MORNING OFFERING
'T^ORD, God Almighty, behold me prostrate
before Thee, in order to appease and
honor Thy divine Majesty, in the name of
all creatures. But how can I do this — I, a
wretched sinner? I can, and I w^ill do it;
because I know that Thou dost glory in
being called the Father of mercy, and that,
for love of us. Thou hast given even Thy
only-begotten Son, Who offered Himself for
us on the cross, and Who continually renews
for us the same sacrifice on our altars. And
therefore, though a sinner, yet truly penitent,
poor, and yet rich in Jesus Christ, I present
myself before Thee, and with the fervor of
all the saints and angels, and with the ardent
love of the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer
Thee, in the name of all creatures, the Masses
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 291
which are now being said, with all those which
have been said, and which will be said to
the end of the world. I also desire to renew
this offering, at every instant of this day,
and of my whole life, in order to give Thy
infinite Majesty honor and glory worthy
of Thee ; to appease Thy wrath, and to
satisfy Thy justice for our many sins ; to
render Thee thanks in keeping with Thy
benefits, and to implore Thy mercy for myself
and for all sinners, for all the faithful, living
and dead, for the whole Church, and chiefly for
its visible head, the Roman Pontiff ; and lastly,
for all poor schismatics, heretics, and infidels,
that they may also be converted and saved.
AN OFFERING TO BE MADE AT MASS
^TERNAL Father, I offer Thee the sacrifice
which Thy beloved Son Jesus made of
Himself on the cross, and now renews on this
altar. I ofl'er it in the name of all creatures,
together with the Masses which have been
said and which will be said throughout the
i whole world, to adore Thee and to give Thee
I honor and glory, which Thou deservest ; to
' render to Thee the thanks which are due
Thee for Thy numberless benefits, to appease
Thy anger, and to satisfy for our many sins ;
292 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
to supplicate Thee for myself, for the Church,
for the whole world, and for the holy souls in
purgatory.
Indulgence of 3 years, once a day for each prayer.
— Pius IX, April 11, i860.
m tfje (JTonfiteor
*T^00SEN, 0 Lord ! we pray Thee, in Thy
pity, the bonds of our sins, and by the
intercession of the blessed and ever virgin
Mary, Mother of God, St. Joseph, the blessed
apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints,
keep us. Thy servants, and our abodes in all
holiness ; cleanse us, our relatives, kinsfolk,
and acquaintances, from all stain of sin ; adorn
us with all virtue ; grant us peace and health ;
drive far off all our enemies, visible and in-
visible ; bridle our carnal appetites ; give us
healthful seasons ; bestow Thy love upon our
friends and our enemies ; guard Thy holy
city; preserve our Sovereign Pontiff, N., and
defend all our prelates, princes, and all Thy
Christian people, from all adversity. Let
Thy blessing be ever upon us, and grant to
all the faithful departed eternal rest. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 40 days, each time. — Pope Leo XII,
July 9, 1828.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers
293
t\)z Entroit
THE ANGELIC TRISAGION
"T^OLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts: the
earth is full of Thy glory. Glory be to
the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to
the Holy Ghost.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day, and an indul-
gence of 100 days, three times every Sunday, as well as
on the feast of the most holy Trinity, and during its
octave. — Pope Clement XI\\, June 6, 1769,
EJACULATION
DORAMUS Te, sane- I'e adore Thee, 0
tissime Domine VJdA most blessed Lord.
Jesu Christe, benedicimus Jesus Christ, we bless
Tibi; quia per sanctam Thee; because by Thy holy
crucem Tuam redemisti cross Thou hast redeemed
mundum. the world.
Indulgence of too days, once a day. — Pope Leo
XIII, March 4, 1882.
294
A Mode of A ssisting at Mass
EJACULATIONS
My JesuS; mercy !
Indulgence of loo days, every time. — Pius IX,
Sef>t. 24, 1846.
My sweetest Jesus^ be not my Judge, but
my Saviour 1
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Aug. II, 1851.
Jesus, Son of David^ have mercy on me !
fLuke xviii. 38.)
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 27, 1886.
It tfje 0lona
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace to men of good will fLuke ii. 14).
This is the charity of God, that wo keep
His commandments (1 John v. 3J.
THE PRACTICE OF THE SEVEN GLORIA PATRIS
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the
Holy Ghost, etc.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX, by a rescript of the
S. Cong, of the Propaganda Fide, March 12, 1857,
granted to all the faithful who, devoutly and with
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers
295
contrite hearts, recite seven times the Glory he to the
Father^ with the intention of asking for the Seven
Gifts for the diffusion of the faith, and of praying
according to the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff,
an indulgence of seven days.
EJACULATION
BIAT, laudetur atque /T|AY the most just,
in aeternum superex- A^-s most high, and
alteturjustissima.altissima most adorable will of God
et amabilissima voluntas be in all things done,
Dei in omnibus. praised and magnified for-
ever.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pope Pius
VII, May 19, 1818.
A PR.AYER FOR THE FULFILLING OF THE WILL
OF GOD
("Imitation of Christ," b. iii, c. xv, v. 3.)
RANT me Thy grace, most merciful Jesus,
that it may be with me. and labor with
me, and continue with me to the end.
Grant me always to desire and will that
which is most acceptable to Thee and which
pleaseth Thee best.
Let Thy will be mine, and let my will
always follow Thine, and agree perfectly
with it.
Let me always will or not will the same
with Thee ; and let me not be able to will or
296 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
not will anything except what Thou wiliest
or wiliest not. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Pope Leo
XIII, Feb. 27, 1886.
m tlje Collects
/^MNiPOTENT Lord ! Who dost permit evil
that good may spring from it, listen to
the humble prayers by which we ask of Thee
the grace of remaining faithful to Thee, even
unto death. Grant us also, through the inter-
cession of Mary ever blessed, that w^e may
always conform ourselves to Thy most holy
will.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
July 19, 1879.
Prayer
MOST compassionate Jesus ! Thou alone
art our salvation, our life, and our resur-
rection. We implore Thee, therefore, do not
forsake us in our needs and afflictions, but,
by the agony of Thy most sacred Heart, and
by the sorrows of Thy immaculate mother,
succor Thy servants whom Thou hast re-
deemed by Thy most precious blood.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Oct. 6, 1870.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 297
Prayer
'T^iviNE Jesus, incarnate Son of God, Who
for our salvation didst vouchsafe to be ,
born in a stable, to pass Thy life in poverty,
trials, and misery, and to die amid the suffer-
ings of the cross, I entreat Thee, say to Thy
divine Father at the hour of my death :
Father, forgive him; say to Thy beloved
mother: Behold thy son; say to my soul:
This day thou shalt he with Me in paradise.
My God, my God, forsake me not in that
hour. / thirst: yes, my God, my soul thirsts
after Thee, Who art the fountain of living
waters. My life passes like a shadow; yet
a little while, and all will be consummated.
Wherefore, O my adorable Saviour ! from
this moment, for all eternity, into Thy hands
I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, receive my
soul. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
June 10, 1856.
^q^His is the will of God — your sanctifica-
tion (Thess. iv. 3).
Pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity,
patience, mildness (i Tim. vi. 11).
298 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Follow peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see God (Heb.
xii. 14).
According to Him that hath called you,
Who is holy, be you also in all manner of
conversation holy. Because it is written :
you shall be holy, for I (the Lord your God)
am holy (i Peter i. 15, 16).
The grace of God our Saviour hath ap-
peared to all men ; instructing us that, deny-
ing ungodliness and worldly desires, we should
live soberly and justly and godly in this
world.
Looking for the blessed hope and coming
of the glory of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ (Titus ii. 11-13).
What things a man shall sov\^, those also
shall he reap (Gal. vi. 8).
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye
steadfast and unmovable ; always abounding
in the work of the Lord, knowing that your
labor is not in vain in the Lord (i Cor.
XV. 58).
I live, now not I ; but Christ liveth in me
(Gal. ii. 20).
When Christ shall appear, Who is your life,
then you also shall appear with Him in glory
(Col. iii. 4).
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 299
Prayer
I C\ JESUS, living in Mary ! Come and live
in Thy servants, in the spirit of Thy
holiness, in the fulness of Thy might, in the
truth of Thy virtues, in the perfection of Thy
ways, in the communion of Thy mysteries ;
subdue every hostile power, in Thy spirit,
for the glory of the Father. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pope Pius IX,
Oct. 14, 1859.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH EOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE
DEVOTED TO LABOR
GLORIOUS St. Joseph I model of all those
who are devoted to labor, obtain for me
the grace to work in a spirit of penance for
the expiation of my many sins ; to work con-
scientiously, putting the call of duty above
my inclinations ; to work with thankfulness
;l and joy, considering it an honor to employ
j and develop by means of labor the gifts re-
I' ceived from God ; to work with order, peace,
! moderation, and patience, never shrinking
from weariness and trials ; to work, above all,
1 with purity of intention, and with detach-
I ment from self, keeping unceasingly before
f my eyes death and the account I must give
300 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
of time lost, talents unused, good omitted,
and vain complacency in success, so fatal to
the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after
thy example, O Patriarch Joseph ; such shall
be my watchword in Hfe and in death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X,
Nov. 25, 1906.
EJACULATIONS
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX,
May 7, 1854.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make
my heart like unto Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. 25, 1868.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved
everywhere !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Sept. 23, i860.
tfje (gospel
HO is the man that desireth life : who
loveth to see good days ?
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips
from speaking guile.
Turn away from evil and do good ; seek
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 301
after peace and pursue it (Ps. xxxiii.
13. 15)-
Jesus said to His disciples : If you love Me,
keep My commandments (John xiv. 15).
This is charity, that we walk according to
His commandments (2 John 6).
For not the hearers of the law are just
before God, but the doers of the law shall be
justified (Rom. ii. 13).
What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man
say he hath faith, but hath not works ?
Shall faith be able to save him ?
Faith without works is dead (James ii. 14,
26).
Wherefore be you also ready, because at
what hour you know not the Son of man will
come (Matt. xxiv. 44).
O that they would be wise and would under-
stand, and would provide for their last end
(Deut. xxxii. 29).
Do good to thy friend before thou die, and
according to thy ability, stretching out thy
hand, give to the poor (Ecclus. xiv. 13).
GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW (XXV. 31-40)
ND when the Son of man shall come in
His majesty, and all the angels with
Him, then shall He sit upon the seat of
His majesty. ...
302 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Then shall the King say to them that shall
be on His right hand : Come, ye blessed of
My Father, possess you the Kingdom pre-
pared for you from the foundation of the
world.
For I was hungry and you gave me to eat ;
I was thirsty and you gave me to drink; I
was a stranger and you took Me in :
Naked, and you covered Me ; sick and you
visited Me; I was in prison, and you came
to Me.
Then shall the just answer Him, saying :
Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and fed
Thee ? thirsty, and gave Thee drink ?
And when did we see Thee a stranger, and
took Thee in ? or naked, and covered Thee ?
Or when did we see Thee sick or in prison,
and came to Thee ?
And the King, answering, shall say to them :
Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to
one of these My least brethren, you did it to
Me.
PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Omnipotence of the Father, help my weak-
ness, and deliver me from the depth of
misery.
Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts,
words, and actions.
By Means of Indtdgenced Prayers 303
Love of the Holy Ghost, be thou the source
and beginning of all the operations of my soul,
whereby they may be always conformable to
the divine will.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
HOLY Spirit, Creator, propitiously help
the Catholic Church, and by Thy
supernal power strengthen and confirm it
against the assaults of the enemy ; by Thy
charity and grace renew the spirit of Thy
servants whom Thou hast anointed, that in
Thee they may glorify the Father and His
only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Aug. 26, 1889.
Prayer
OLY Spirit, Spirit of Truth, come into our
hearts ; shed the brightness of Thy light
on all nations, that they may be one in Faith
and pleasing to Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
July 31, 1897.
304 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
AN ACT OF FAITH
MY God ! I believe in Thee ; I believe
all that Thou hast revealed, and that
the holy Catholic Church proposes to my
belief. I believe, first, that the .most Blessed
Virgin is truly the Mother of God ; I believe
firmly, and with all certainty, that she is at
the same time mother and virgin, and that
she is free from even the least actual sin. I
also believe most firmly, and with all certainty,
that, by a singular grace and privilege of
Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus
Christ, the Saviour of the human race, Mary
was, in the first instant of her conception,
preserved free from all stain of original sin.
I believe most firmly, and with all certainty,
that when the Roman Pontiff speaks ex
cathedra — that is, when, in quality of the
chief pastor and teacher of all Christians, he,
in virtue of his supreme and a.postolic au-
thority, defines the doctrine to be held by the
universal Church concerning faith or morals
— by the divine assistance, promised him in
the person of St. Peter, he enjoys that in-
fallibility with which the divine Redeemer
wished His Church to be endowed when de-
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 305
fining matters of faith or morals ; and, there-
fore, that such definitions of the Roman
Pontiff are, of themselves, and not from the
consent of the Church, irreformable. I be-
lieve all this, because Thy holy Church, which
is the pillar and ground of truth, which has
never erred and can never err, proposes it to
be believed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. 10, 1871.
tlje (IDifertorg anti Secret ^iragcrs
''suscipe": offering and prayer of ST.
IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
usciPE, Domine, ^^ake, O Lord, and
universam meam receive all my lib-
libertatem. Accipe me- erty, my memory, my
moriam, intellectum at- understanding and my
que voluntatem omnem. whole will. Thou hast
Quidquid habeo vel pos- given me all that I am
sideo, mihi largitus es; and all that I possess; I
id Tibi totum restituo surrender it all to Thee
ac Tuae prorsus volun- that Thou mayest dis-
tati trado gubernandurn. pose of it according to Thy
j Amorem Tui solum cum will. Give me only Thy
1 The following version is from " The Raccolta," by Fr.
Ambrose St. John :
Take, O Lord, all my liberty. Receive my memory, under-
standing, and entire will. Thou hast bestowed on m^e whatever
I have or possess : I give all back to Thee, and deliver it to Thee
to be entirely subject to Thy will. Only grant me Thy love and
Thy grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.
3o6 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
gratia Tua mihi dones et love and Thy grace ; with
dives sum satis, nec aliud these I will be rich enough,
quidquam ultra posco. and will have no more to
desire.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 26, 1883.
AN OFFERING
(Ty^ loving Jesus ! I (N.N.) give Thee my
heart, and I consecrate myself wholly
to Thee, out of the grateful love I bear Thee,
and as a reparation for all my unfaithfulness ;
and with Thy aid I purpose never to sin again.
Indulgence of 100 days once a day, to all who shall,
with at least contrite heart and devotion, make this
offering before a picture of the Sacred Heart. — Pius
VII, June 9, 1807.
AN OFFERING
^3fTERNAL Father, we ofTer Thee the blood,
the passion, and the death of Jesus Christ,
the sorrows of Mary most holy, and of St.
Joseph, in satisfaction for our sins, in aid of the
holy souls in purgatory, for the needs of holy
Mother Church, and for the conversion of
sinners.
Indulgence of ipo days, once a day. — Pius IX,
April 30, i860,
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 307
Prayer
/T\osT dear Lord Jesus Christ, Who,
becoming an infant for us, didst
vouchsafe to be born in a stable to free us
from the darkness of sin, to draw us more
closely to Thee, and to inflame us with Thy
holy love, we adore Thee as our Creator and
Redeemer, we acknowledge and choose Thee
for our King and Lord, and we offer to Thee
the tribute of all the affections of our poor
heart. Dear Jesus, our Lord and God,
deign to accept this offering, and, in order
that it may be worthy of Thy gracious accept-
ance, forgive us our sins, enlighten us, inflame
us with that holy fire which Thou didst come
to bring into the world to enkindle in our
hearts. May our soul thus become a per-
petual sacrifice in Thy honor ; grant that
it may always seek Thy greater glory here
on earth, in order that it may one day come
to enjoy the beauty of Thy infinite perfections
in heaven. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Jan. 18, 1894.
3o8 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Prayer
MY Jesus, Thou knowest well that I love
Thee ; but I do not love Thee enough ;
0 grant that I may love Thee more. O love
that burnest ever and never failest, my God,
Thou Who art charity itself, enkindle in my
heart that divine fire which consumes the
saints and transforms them into Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 6, 1893.
EJACULATION
Sweetest Jesus, grant me an increase of faith,
hope, and charity, a contrite and humble heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Sept. 13, 1893.
THREE OFFERINGS OF THANKSGIVING TO THE MOST
HOLY TRINITY
1. ^JJ^E offer to the Most Holy Trinity the
merits of Jesus Christ in thanks-
giving for the precious blood which Jesus shed
in the Garden for us ; and by His merits we
beseech the divine majesty to grant us the
pardon of all our sins.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the FatJter.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 309
II. We offer to the Most Holy Trinity the
merits of Jesus Christ, in thanksgiving for
His most precious death endured on the cross
for us ; and by His merits we beseech the
divine majesty to free us from the punishment
due to our sins.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
III. We offer to the Most Holy Trinity the
merits of Jesus Christ, in thanksgiving for
His unspeakable charity, by which He de-
scended from heaven to earth to take upon
Himself our flesh, and to suffer and die for us
on the cross ; and by His merits we beseech
the divine majesty to bring our souls to the
glory of heaven after our death.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father,
Indulgence of 100 days, when said to obtain a good
death. — Leo XII, Oct. 21, 1823.
ti}e ^anctus
ANCTUS, sanctus, sane- I^oly, holy, holy, Lord
tus, Dominus Deus b God of hosts : the
exercituum : Plena est earth is full of Thy glory :
terra gloria Tua: Gloria Glory be to the Father,
Patri, gloria Filio, gloria glory be to the Son,
Spiritui Sancto. glory be to the Holy
Ghost.
3IO A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Indulgence of loo days, once a day and an indul-
gence of loo days, three times every Sunday, as well
as on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, and during
its octave. — Clement XIV, June 6, 1769.
EJACULATION
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed
Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with
grateful affection, at every moment, in all the
tabernacles of the world, even to the end of
time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX?
Feb. 29, 1868.
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING
>//|'e humbly pray and earnestly beseech
Thee, most merciful Father, through
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, to look with
favor upon these gifts, which we present to
Thee in union with the priest at the altar, to
accept and to bless this sacrifice of praise,
thanksgiving, and propitiation, which we
offer Thee, in the first place, for Thy holy
Catholic Church, to which vouchsafe to grant
peace and union throughout the world.
Bless our Holy Father, the Pope, our bishops,
priests, Religious, and apostolic missionaries,
By M eans of Indulgenced Prayers 311
that their labor in the propagation of the Faith
and for the salvation of souls may be fruitful.
Lord, through the merits of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, I especially recommend to Thee
the intentions for which I am assisting at this
Mass ; the interests of my relatives, friends,
and benefactors ; and the wants of all those for
whom I have promised to pray and for whom
I am bound to pray in justice and charity.
I beseech Thee, also, to bless my enemies,
those who are dying, and all the faithful who
are in the state of grace ; grant us the gift
of perseverance in Thy love.
Finally, I recommend to Thy goodness and
clemency all infidels, heretics, and sinners.
Vouchsafe to enlighten and strengthen them,
that they may know Thee and love Thee and
serve Thee and be happy with Thee forever
in heaven.
PRAYER TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OE JESUS
/T\0ST sacred Heart of Jesus, shower
copiously Thy blessings on Thy holy
Church, on the Supreme Pontiff, and on all
the clergy; grant perseverance to the just,
convert sinners, enlighten infidels, bless our
parents, friends, and benefactors ; assist the
dying, liberate the souls in purgatory, and
312 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
extend over all hearts the sweet empire of
Thy love.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
PRAYER IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SUFFERINGS AND
DEATH OF OUR LORD
MY Lord Jesus Christ ! Who, to redeem
the world, didst vouchsafe to be born
among men, to be circumcised, to be rejected
and persecuted by the Jews, to be betrayed
by the traitor, Judas, with a kiss, and as a
lamb, gentle and innocent, to be bound with
cords, and dragged, in scorn, before the tri-
bunals of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod ;
who didst suffer Thyself to be accused by
false witnesses, to be torn by the scourge
and overwhelmed with opprobrium; to be
spit upon, to be crowned with thorns, buffeted,
struck with a reed, blindfolded, stripped of
Thy garments ; to be nailed to the cross and
raised on it between two thieves ; to be given
gall and vinegar to drink, and to be pierced
with a lance ; do Thou, O Lord, by these Thy
most sacred pains, which I, all unworthy,
call to mind, and by Thy holy cross and
death, save me (and thy servant N. in his
agony ^) from the pains of hell, and vouch-
1 If the prayer is said for a person in his last agony.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 313
safe to bring me whither Thou didst bring the
good thief who was crucified with Thee. Who,
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, Kvest
and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father^ Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father,
etc., five tim.es.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII, by a decree of
the S. Cong, of Indulgences, Aug. 25, 1820, granted
to all the faithful who, with at least contrite heart
and devotion, shall say this prayer, and the Our
Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory be to the Father,
each five times, an indulgence of 300 days, once a
day.
EJACULATION
O sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876.
m i\)Z ISlebatton
Look at the sacred Host and say with strong faith,
firm hope, tender love, and earnest devotion :
/iDp Xorb anb /iDp Gob!
His Holiness, Pope Pius X, on May 18, 1907,
granted an indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines,
to all the faithful, who, at the Elevation during Mass,
or at pubhc exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, look
at the sacred Host and say : My Lord and my God I
314 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
EJACULATIONS
O Sacrament most holy ! O Sacrament
divine !
All praise and all thanksgiving be every
moment Thine.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day ; and once dur-
ing each Mass to all, who, at the elevation of both
species, shall say this ejaculation.
Saviour of the world, have mercy on us !
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 21, 1891.
Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here present
in the Sacrament of Thy love.
Indulgence of 100 days, while genuflecting before
a tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament, and
an indulgence of 300 days, while genuflecting on both
knees before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. — Pius
X, July 3, 1908.
Deus mens et omnia! My God and my all!
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Leo XIII,
May 4, 1888. >
INVOCATION
^T\y God, grant that I may love Thee, and
be the only reward of my love to love
Thee always more and more.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 315
<Et tfje Elebatton of tfje ^acrrti Cfjaltce
AIL, saving Victim, offered upon the scaf-
fold of the cross for me and for the whole
human race I Hail, Precious Blood, flowing
from the wounds of our crucified Lord Jesus
Christ and washing away the sins of the whole
world ! Remember, 0 Lord, Thy servant,
the work of Thy hands, whom Thou hast
redeemed by Thy Precious Blood.
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, June 30, 1893, granted
to the faithful who shall recite the above prayer at the
Elevation during Holy Mass, an indulgence of 60
days, once a day.
EJACULATION
TERNAL Father I I offer Thee the precious
blood of Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins
and for the wants of holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius VII,
Sept. 22, 1817.
Cotttinuatton of t!}c Canon
PRAYERS rOR THOSE IN THEIR AGONY
MOST merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray
Thee by the agony of Thy most Sacred
Heart, and by the sorrows of Thy immaculate
3i6
A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Mother, wash in Thy blood the sinners of the
whole world who are now in their agony, and
are to die this day. Amen.
V. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, pity the
dying.
Indulgence of loo days every time. — Pius IX,
Feb. 2, 1850.
(ITotntncmoration of tijr HBtati
FATHER of mercies, in the name of Jesus,
Thy beloved Son, in memory of His
bitter Passion and cruel death, in virtue of the
wound of His Sacred Heart, and in considera-
tion also of the sorrows of the immaculate
heart of Mary, of the heroic deeds of all the
saints and of the torments of all the martyrs,
I implore Thee to have pity on the souls of the
faithful departed now suffering in purgatory.
To Thy mercy I recommend especially the
souls of my relatives, friends, and benefactors,
and of all those for whom I have promised to
pray.
VERSICLES IN AID OF THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY
V. Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord;
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
x\men.
By Means of Indnlgenced Prayers 317
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days for each recitation of these
Versicles. — Pius X, Feb. 4., 190S.
ACTS or ADOR.\TIOX, THAXKSGIVIXG, REPARATION,
AND LOVE IX HOXOR OF THE BLESSED SACRAIMEXT
DORAMUS Te, '(0\^ ADORE Thee. 0
Christe. et benedi- VJcA. Christ, and we
cimus Tibi. bless Thee.
R. Quia per sanctam R. Because by Thy
crucem Tuam redemisti holy cross Thou hast re-
mundum. deemed the world.
'T' adore Thee, eternal Father, and I give
Thee thanks for the infinite love vrith
which Thou didst deign to send Thy only-
begotten Son to redeem me. and to become
the food of my soul. I offer Thee all the acts
of adoration and thanksgiving that are offered
to Thee by the angels and saints in heaven,
and by the just on earth. I praise, love, and
thank Thee with all the praise, love, and
thanksgiving that are offered to Thee by
Thine own Son in the Blessed Sacrament ;
and I beg Thee to grant that he may be known,
loved, honored, praised, and worthily received
by all, in this Most Divine Sacrament.
Our Father^ Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
3i8 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
T ADORE Thee, eternal Son, and I thank Thee
for the infinite love which caused Thee to
become man for me, to be born in a stable, to
live in poverty, to suffer hunger, thirst, heat,
cold, fatigue, hardships, contempt, persecu-
tions, the scourging, the crowning with thorns,
and a cruel death upon the hard wood of the
cross. I thank Thee, with the Church militant
and triumphant, for the infinite love with
which Thou didst institute the Most Blessed
Sacrament to be the food of my soul.
I adore Thee in all the consecrated hosts
throughout the whole world, and I return
thanks for those who know Thee not, and who
do not thank Thee. Would that I were able
to give my life to make Thee known, loved,
and honored by all, in this sacrament of love,
- and to prevent the irreverences and sacrileges
that are committed against Thee ! I love
Thee, divine Jesus, and I desire to receive
Thee with all the purity, love, and affection
of Thy blessed Mother, and with the love and
affection of Thy own most pure heart. Grant
O most amiable spouse of my soul ! in coming
to me in this Most Holy Sacrament, that I
may receive all the graces and blessings which
Thou dost come to bestow on us, and let me
rather die than receive Thee unworthily.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 319
^T* ADORE Thee, eternal Holy Ghost, and I give
Thee thanks for the infinite love with
which Thou didst work the ineffable mystery
of the Incarnation, and for the infinite love
with which Thou didst form the sacred body
of Our Lord Jesus Christ out of the most pure
blood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, become in
this Sacrament the food of my soul. I beg
Thee to enlighten my mind, and to purify
my heart and the hearts of all men, that all
may know the benefit of Thy love, and receive
worthily this Most Blessed Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
ANTUM ergo sacramen-
tum
Veneremur cernui :
Et antiquum documen-
tum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestat fides supplemen-
tum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori Genitoque,
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quo-
que
*Y^owN in adoration,
JlJ falling,
Lo ! the sacred Host
we hail ;
Lo ! o'er ancient forms
departing,
Newer rites of grace
prevail :
Faith for all defects sup-
plying,
Where the feeble senses
fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who reigns
on high,
With the Holy Qhost pro-
ceeding
A Mode of Assisting at Mass
320
Sit et benedictio,
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
V. Panem de coelo prae-
stitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamen-
tum in se habentem.
Oremus
Forth from each eter-
nally,
Be salvation, honor, bless-
ing,
Might, and endless maj-
esty. Amen.
V. Thou gavest them
bread from heaven.
R. And therein was
sweetness of every kind.
Let us pray
^T^EUS, qui nobis sub God, Who, under
Sacramento mira- this wonderful sac-
bih, passionis Tuae memo- rament, hast left us a
riam reliquisti : tribue, memorial of Thy passion :
quaesumus, ita nos cor- grant us, we beseech Thee,
poris et sanguinis Tui so to venerate the sacred
sacra mysteria venerari, mysteries of Thy body
ut redemptionis Tuae fruc- and blood, that we may
tum in nobis jugiter sen- ever feel within us the
tiamus. Qui vivis et reg- fruit of Thy redem^ption,
nas, etc. Who livest and reignest,
world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days to those who say these
prayers at any time before the Blessed Sacrament, and
offer supplications for the welfare of the Church, for
the extirpation of heresy, and for the intention of our
Holy Father, the Pope. — Pius VI, Oct. 17, 1796.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 321
Before Communion
%i tfje ^gnus Bti
PRAYERS TO IMPLORE PEACE
Ant, "^r^A^diCQm, Do- Ant. ^^ive peace, O
r-L' mine, in die- vS) Lord ! in our
bus nostris : quia non est days ; for there is none
alius qui pugnet pro nobis, other that fighteth for us,
nisi Tu, Deus noster. but only thou, our God.
V. Fiat pax in virtute F. Peace be in Thy
Tua. strength, O Lord !
R. Et abundantia in R. And plenty in Thy
turribus Tuis. strong places.
Oremus Let us pray
^T^EUS, a quo sancta God, from Whom
desideria, recta con- come all holy desires,
siha, et justa sunt opera : all right counsels and just
da servis Tuis illam, quam works : grant unto us,
mundus dare non potest, Thy servants, that peace
pacem : ut et corda nos- which the world cannot
tra mandatis Tuis dedita, give, that our hearts may
et hostium sublata for- be devoted to Thy service,
midine, tempora sint tua and that, delivered from
protectione tranquilla. the terror of our enemies,
Per Christum Dominum we may pass our time in
nostrum. Amen. peace under Thy protec-
tion. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days every time, and once a
month, to those who shall have said them, at least
once a day, for a whole month, on any day when,
322
A Mode of Assisting at Mass
being truly penitent, after confession and communion,
they shall visit a church, and pray there, for some time'
for the intention of His Holiness. — Pius IX, May is'
1848. ^ '
?^ol2 Communirin
AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, BY ST. ALPHONSUS
DE LIGUORI
(J)Y JESUS, I believe that Thou art in the
Most Holy Sacrament. I love Thee
above all things, and I long for Thee in my
soul. Since I can not receive Thee now
sacramentally, come at least spiritually into
my heart. I embrace Thee as already there
and unite myself wholly to Thee ; never per-
mit me to be separated from Thee.
Jesus, my good, my sweet love,
Wound, inflame this heart of mine.
So that it may be always and all on fire for Thee!
Indulgence of 60 days, once a day. — Leo XIII
June 30, 1893.
Q Jesus, sweetest Love, come Thou to me;
^ Come down in all Thy beauty unto me;
Thou Who didst die for longing love of me;
And never, never more depart from me.
Free me, O beauteous God, from all but Thee;
Sever the chain that holds me back from Thee;
Call me, O tender Love, I cry to Thee ;
Thou art my all! 0 bind me close to Thee.
— Shapcote.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 323
EJACULATIONS
Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us,
inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
June 16, 1893.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 21, 1892.
O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore
That I may love Thee ever more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876.
Jiragers after J^olg Communion
^TouL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide^me.
Never permit me to be separated from thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
That with the saints I may praise Thee
Through eternity. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Jan.
9, 1854.
324 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Prayer
C[ee where Thy boundless love has reached,
^^"^ my loving Jesus ! Thou, of Thy flesh
and precious blood, hast made ready for me
a banquet whereby to give me all Thyself.
Who drove Thee to this excess of love for me ?
Thy Heart, Thy loving Heart. O adorable
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of divine love !
within Thy sacred wound take Thou my soul ;
in order that, in that school of charity, I may
learn to love that God who has given me such
v/ondrous proofs of His great love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day, — Pius VII,
Feb. 9, 1818.
PRAYER TO OVERCOME EVIL PASSIONS AND TO BECOME
A SAINT
"T^EAR Jesus, in the Sacrament of the Altar,
^^^^ be forever thanked and praised. Love,
worthy of all celestial and terrestrial love !
Who, out of infinite love for me, ungrateful
sinner, didst assume our human nature, didst
shed Thy most precious blood in the cruel
scourging, and didst expire on a shameful
cross for our eternal welfare ! Now, illumined
with lively faith, with the outpouring of my
whole soul and the fervor of my heart, I
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 325
humbly beseech Thee, through the infinite
merits of Thy painful sufferings, give me
strength and courage to destroy every evil
passion which sways my heart, to bless Thee
in my greatest afflictions, to glorify Thee by
the exact fulfilment of my duties, supremely
to hate all sin, and thus to become a saint.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. I, 1866.
(J) AY the blessing of God Almighty, ^ of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost, descend upon us and remain
with us forever. Amen.
Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus !
Bless us, O Lord, as Thou didst bless the
little children and again Thy disciples at Thy
glorious ascension into heaven, so that we
may persevere in Thy grace and be numbered
on the Last Day among the elect whom Thou
wilt call the blessed of Thy Father, and invite
into Thy eternal Kingdom.
Or
AN OFFERING
TERNAL Father ! we oft'er Thee the most
Precious Blood of Jesus, shed for us
with excessive love and bitter pain from the
326
A Mode of Assisting at Mass
wound in His right hand ; and, through its
merits and its might, we entreat Thy divine
majesty to grant us Thy holy benediction,
that thereby we may be defended against
all our enemies and freed from every ill ;
while we say :
BENEDiCTio Dei omni- {T^ay the blessing of
potentis, Patris et «^"» God Almighty,
Filii? et Spiritus Sancti, Father, and Son, and
descendat super nos, et Holy Ghost, descend upon
maneat semper. Amen. us, and remain with us
forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Leo XII, by a rescript,
Oct. 25, 1823, granted to all the faithful, every time
that, with at least contrite heart and devotion, they
shall say this offering, with the Our Father, the Hail
Mary, and the Glory he to the Father, to the Most Holy
Trinity, in thanksgiving for blessings received, an
indulgence of 100 days, and a plenary indulgence,
to those who shall have said it daily, for a month, on
any day, when, after confession and communion, they
shall pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
tfje lEnti of JSlass
(Qay the Heart of Jesus in the Most
Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored,
and loved with grateful affection, at every
By Means of Indulge need Prayers 327
moment, in all the tabernacles of the world,
even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Feb. 29, 1868.
EJACULATION OF BLESSED MARGARET MARY
HEART of love, I place all my trust in
Thee : for though I fear all things from
my weakness, I hope all things from Thy
mercies.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X,
June 3, 1908.
RECOMMENDATION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
A PIOUS PRACTICE
GST Holy Virgin, Mother of the Incar-
nate Word, treasure-house of grace
and refuge of sinners, with lively faith we
have recourse to thy motherly love, and ask
of thee the grace of ever doing God's will
and thine. In thy most holy hands we
place our hearts, and of thee w^e ask health
of body and soul ; most firmly we place our
trust in thee, our most loving Mother, and
with lively faith we pray to thee.
Hail Mary, three times.
328 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
Let us pray
"T^EFEND, we beseech thee, 0 Lord ! through
the intercession of the blessed Mary,
ever Virgin, Thy servants from all infirmity ;
and mercifully deign to guard them, prostrate
in the sincerity of their hearts before Thee,
against the snares of the enemy. Through
Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XII,
Aug. II, 1824.
PRAYER OF ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA TO THE BLESSED
VIRGIN
OST holy Mary, my Lady, to thy faith-
ful care and special keeping and to the
bosom of thy mercy, to-day and every day,
and particularly at the hour of my death, I
commend my soul and my body: to thee I com-
mit all my anxieties and miseries, my life and
the end of my life, that through thy most holy
intercession and by thy m^erits all my actions
may be directed and disposed according to thy
will and that of thy divine Son. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
By Means of Indulgenced Prayers 329
' EJACULATIONS
Sweet heart of ]\Iary, be my salvation 1
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 30, 1852.
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of mercy,
pray for me and for the departed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 15, 1883.
0 Mary I conceived without sin, pray for
us who have recourse to thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884.
O Mary, who didst come into this world
free from stain 1 obtain of God for me that
I may leave it without sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
March 27, 1863.
ANTn?H0N
ANCTE Michael Arch- "T^oly Archangel Mi-
angele, defende nos r-L^ chael, defend us in
in proelio, ut non pereamus battle, that we may not
in tremendo judicio. perish in the tremendous
judgment.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Aug. 19, 1893.
330 A Mode of Assisting at Mass
INVOCATIONS
St. Joseph, reputed father of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, and true spouse of Mary ever
Virgin, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 15, 1891.
BAG nos innocuam, Jo- "TFx elp us, Joseph, in our
seph, decurrere vi- earthly strife,
tarn E'er to lead a pure and
Sitque tuo semper tuta blameless life,
patrocinio.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 18, 1882.
EJACULATORY PRAYERS TO OBTAIN A GOOD DEATH
Esus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my
heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my
last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe
forth my soul in peace with you.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII, by a decree of the
S. Congr. of Indulgences April 28, 1807, granted to all
the faithful, every time that, with at least contrite
heart and devotion, they shall say these three ejacula-
tions, an indulgence of 300 days ; and an indulgence
of 100 days, every time that, with the same disposi-
tions, they shall say one of these ejaculations.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 331
/IDass xn "^owoM or tbe Blessed IDirgiu
Prayers Intertwined with Reflections on the
Mysteries of the Life of Our Lord and of
His Holy Mother
*Tn the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
<a ^^rager Brforr ilHass
r\ MY God, I humbly prostrate myself before
Thee, to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass, and to adore Thee, my sovereign
Lord, in the great mystery of the Passion and
death of Thy Son. I praise and glorify Thee
in union with the holy and immaculate Vir-
gin Mary, whom Thou hast sanctified and
preserved from all stain of original sin, and
hast ordained to be the Mother of Thy only-
begotten Son, my Lord and Redeemer. Grant
that I and all these faithful here present may
assist at the celebration of this mystery of
love with humility and purity of heart, with
that reverence, fervor, and devotion with
which Mary, the blessed Mother of Jesus
Christ, prayed to Thee during the many
years she remained in the Temple ; but par-
332 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
ticularly when she received the message of
the angel, who, in Thy name, saluted her —
^^fuU of grace, and blessed amongst women."
Holy Mary, Mother of God, and Queen of
heaven and earth ! to thee we, poor banished
children of Eve, have recourse. I intend to
assist at this Holy Sacrifice in thanksgiving
to God the Father for having predestined
thee His chosen daughter ; to the eternal Son
for having made thee His beloved Mother;
to the Holy Ghost for having sanctified thee
His cherished spouse. Pray for me and for
all thy servants. Obtain that I may partici-
pate in the fruits of the Passion and death of
thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord and
Redeemer.
EJACULATIONS
Blessed be the holy and immaculate Con-
ception of the most Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God.
Indulgence of 300 days each time. — Leo XIII,
Sept. 10, 1878.
0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us
who have recourse to thee !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 333
%i t!je iSegmmng of JWass
r\ INFINITE Creator and merciful God !
Thou hast been pleased, by the Incarna-
tion of Thy only-begotten Son, to repair the
losses caused by the disobedience of our first
parents; Thou didst send the angel Gabriel
to that chosen maid who, by becoming the
Mother of the Redeemer, crushed the infernal
serpent's head, and brought salvation to all
mankind. Do Thou, O Lord, give ear to our
humble prayers, and grant that we, who
firmly believe that Thy eternal Son became
man in the chaste womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and that she is, therefore, truly the
Mother of God, may be helped by her inter-
cession. I adore Thee, O my God, in this
profound mystery, the fruits whereof were
first felt by the Precursor, who, at the words
of Mary's salutation to St. Elizabeth, was
sanctified in his mother's womb. Let us give
praise to God, for He is good, and His mercy
endureth forever. My soul doth magnify the
Lord ; my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour !
But I am unworthy, O Lord, of Thy favors.
How can I dare to appear before Thee, 0 my
God?
I confess to Almighty God, to the blessed
and immaculate Mary, ever Virgin, to holy
334 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
Michael the Archangel, to St. John the Baptist,
to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all
the saints, that I have sinned in thought,
word, and deed, through my fault, through
my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech the blessed and immacu-
late Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the
archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints,
to pray to the Lord our God for me.
May the almighty God have mercy on
me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to
everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant
me pardon, absolution, and remission of all
my sins. Amen.
To thee, O merciful Queen of heaven and
earth, I have recourse. It has never been
heard that any one invoked thee and was
forsaken. Plead for me before thy divine
Son and obtain for me the pardon of my sins.
tf)e Untrott
AIL, holy Mother, who didst bring forth
the King who reigns over heaven and
earth forever ! Hail, Mary, full of grace !
the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou
amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of
Mas^ in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 335
thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of
God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
It i\}t itgric Ekison
Lord, have mercy upon us ; Christ, have
mercy upon us ; Lord, have mercy upon us !
EJACULATION OF ST. PHILIP 2nERI
Virgin Mother of God, Mary, pray to Jesus
for me.
An indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 29, 1894.
tfje ©lorta in Eirelsis
LORY be to God on high, and peace on
earth to men of good wilL 0 my God,
I' I unite my praises with those which the
I heavenly spirits sang to Thee on that night,
I , when Thy beloved Son, made man, was born
j«' of the Virgin Mary in the stable of Bethle-
! hem. My heart is full of gladness, because
for my salvation the Word of God was made
man, and dwelt among men. Glory, praise,
and adoration be to God the Father, to God
the Son, and to God the Holy Ghost; three
336 Mass m Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
Persons in one God. O holy Virgin Mary,
thou art the glorious Mother of my Redeemer.
Remember the joy of thy immaculate and
maternal heart, when for the first time thou
didst behold, adore, and embrace thy God
and thy infant Son in the stable of Bethle-
hem. 0 blessed Mother of God, pray to thy
Son that I may be made partaker of the joy
of heaven. Amen.
COLLECT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. FROM THE VOTIVE
MASS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Let us pray
RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that
we Thy servants may enjoy perpetual
health of mind and body ; and by the glorious
intercession of the blessed Mary, ever Virgin,
may be delivered from present sadness and
enjoy eternal gladness. Through Our Lord
Jesus Christ, etc.
FOR THE CHURCH
^TpliSTEN, in thy clemency, we beseech thee,
0 Lord, to the prayers of thy Church: do
thou bring to naught all the assaults of her en-
emies; make to cease all false teaching; and en-
able her to serve thee in freedom and in safety.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 337
FOR THE POPE
O LORD God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all
the faithful, mercifully regard Thy serv-
ant N., whom Thou hast appointed pastor
over Thy Church, and grant, we beseech Thee,
that he may edify, both by word and example,
those who are under his charge, and that, with
the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at
eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
tf)e Epistle
LMiGHTY and merciful God, Who never
ceasest to direct our hearts to the knowl-
edge of Thy law, to instruct us through the
ministry of Thy holy Church, grant that we
may faithfully attend to the lessons of salva-
tion which Thou givest us. May Thy holy
word fructify in the soil of our hearts ; may
our souls be guided by Thy holy law and
directed to the possession of Thee. 0 God,
have mercy on us, and bring us to Thee, as
by the appearance of a miraculous star Thou
didst bring the Wise Men to the stable of
Bethlehem, where they found and adored the
' Saviour in the arms of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, His holy Mother, and offered Him,
with their hearts, their mysterious presents.
338 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
O blessed Mary, obtain for us the grace to
follow the inspirations of the Holy Ghost,
and amid the perils that beset our path in this
world to direct our steps in the way of salva-
tion.
ail, thou Star of ocean !
ri-G Portal of the sky !
Ever Virgin Mother
Of the Lord most High !
Show thyself a Mother ;
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us Incarnate
Did not thee despise.
Virgin of all virgins !
To thy shelter take us ;
Gentlest of the gentle !
Chaste and gentle make us.
Still as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor ;
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice forever.
Y dear Redeemer, I give Thee thanks for
the inestimable favor Thou hast be-
stowed upon me, by calling me to the knowl-
edge of Thy holy Gospel, and making me a
child of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 339
Church. I beheve and confess all and each
of the articles of faith which Thou hast re-
vealed to Thy Church, and which the same
holy Church teaches. I am ready, if it be
Thy will, to shed the last drop of my blood
for my faith. I return Thee thanks for
that love which prompted Thee to leave
to Thy Church in the Holy Sacrament of the
altar Thy body and blood, Thy soul and
divinity. I believe, 0 Lord, that Thou art
really present in the Holy Eucharist. When
with the eyes of faith I see my Lord upon the
altar, I can say: ^'Now, O Lord, let Thy
servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen
Thy salvation.'' 0 Mary, my dear Mother,
thou didst bring thy holy Son to the Temple,
and didst offer Him to the eternal Father. The
holy man Simeon received Jesus in his arms
from thy hands. Oh, bring my Saviour into
my poor heart, that I may love nothing else
but Him and that I may please thee. Amen.
tije a^ff^rtorg
*T^OLY Father, almighty and eternal God,
^ accept from the hands of Thy minister
the spotless Host which he offers Thee in
the name of the Church, for the honor, glory,
and adoration of Thy divine Alajesty, in
340 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
memory of the nativity, life, sufferings, death,
resurrection, and ascension of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, and in honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and of all the saints. In the spirit of
humility and with a contrite heart I now offer
to Thee, 0 Lord, this bread and wine, which,
through the words of consecration which Christ
our Lord instituted at the Last Supper, will
be changed into the body and blood of Thy
divine Son, our Saviour. Come, 0 almighty
and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless this
sacrifice prepared for the praise and glory of
Thy holy name. Receive, 0 Lord, this sacrifice
to the praise and glory of Thy infinite Majesty,
to our benefit, and to that of the whole Church,
and also to the honor of the blessed Mother
of Jesus Christ, that she may vouchsafe to
intercede for us in heaven, whose memory"
we celebrate on earth. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
O merciful God, direct and assist me in the
dangers of this life, as Thou didst direct Mary,
the blessed Mother of Jesus, and her pure
spouse, St. Joseph, in their flight into Egypt.
O Lord, save Thy servants, who repose alJ
their confidence in Thee, and who honor Thy
blessed Mother.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 341
/T\ay this oblation procure us peace and
happiness here and hereafter, through
the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
rOR THE CHURCH
ROTECT US, O Lord, who worship round
Thine Altar ; ever cleaving to divine
things, may we at all times render an ac-
ceptable service to Thee.
FOR THE POPE
*■ looK favorably, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord,
•"^"^ upon the gifts we offer ; and do thou
guide and protect at all times N., thy servant,
whom thou hast appointed chief shepherd
over thy Church.
<at tfje iireface
'T't is truly meet and just, right and profitable
for us at all times, and in all places, to give
thanks to Thee, 0 Lord, the Holy One, the
Father Almighty, the Everlasting God ; be-
cause by the Mystery of the Word made flesh,
from Thy brightness a new light hath risen
to shine on the eyes of our souls, in order that^
342 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
God becoming visible to us, we may be borne
upward to the love of things invisible. And
therefore with the Angels and Archangels,
with the Thrones and Dominations and with
all the array of the heavenly host we sing
a hymn to thy glory, and unceasingly repeat :
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth ;
the heavens and the earth are full of Thy
glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is
He that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
i\)t Canon
LMiGHTY God, Thy beloved Son and my
Lord Jesus Christ has commanded me,
by His word and example, to be always
occupied with the things that are Thine.
It was in the Temple that His blessed Mother
and St. Joseph found Him on the third day
after His departure from them. Grant that
I may never depart from Thee by sin. But
if I ever have the misfortune of forfeiting Thy
holy grace, I will sue again for mercy in the
Sacrament of Penance. Pray for me, 0
glorious Mother of God, and be my advocate
before thy Son. At thy suggestion He
changed, in Cana of Galilee, water into wine ;
beg of Him to change my heart, too, to purify
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 343
and sanctify it. that it may be worthy of Him
forever.
0 my God, when Mary pronounced these
words: ''Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
be it done unto me according to Thy word,""
Thy only-begotten Son became incarnate in
her womb. In like manner at the words of
consecration, which are about to be pro-
nounced by Thy minister, the same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, descends on our altars, and
miraculously changes the substance of bread
and wine into His body and blood, soul and
divinity. I humbly adore Thee. 0 loving Sa-
viour, in this m^ystery of Thy love. Through
that divine charity which moved Thee to
utter those consoling words a few moments
before the institution of this Sacrament.
^'With desire I have desired to eat this pasch
with you before I suffer."" I beg of Thee to
have mercy on me, and to forgive me m=y sins.
Help me in my necessities, strengthen me
against the enemies of my soul, and grant
me the grace I stand in need of to" secure
my eternal salvation.
1 pray to Thee also, O Lord, for Thy holy
Church, for our Holy Father the Pope, for our
bishops, and all pastors of souls ; for m^y
parents, relatives, benefactors, friends, and
enemies. Grant Thy particular blessings
344 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
to the pious clients of Thy blessed Mother.
Bless the poor, the sick, and those who are
in their agony. Have mercy on those who
have recommended themselves to my prayers,
and pour down Thy blessings upon all those for
whom I have promised to pray. Grant peace
and concord to all nations. Convert poor
sinners, enlighten infidels, and bring back
heretics from the ways of error. May all
be united in one fold, under one Shepherd,
Jesus Christ, the true Pastor of souls.
Holy Mary, thy divine Son now comes upon
the altar. Present to Him my lowly adora-
tion. O my Jesus, come ; my Saviour, come.
Receive the prayers I offer Thee through the
hands of Thy blessed Mother. Come, O
Lord Jesus. With the angels who are pros-
trate before the altar, I exclaim : Holy, holy,
holy, Hosanna to Him Who cometh from the
highest heavens — ever blessed be His Name !
tlje lEkbatton
Cast a look of adoration and love upon the sacred
Host, when it is elevated by the priest ; then incline
your head devoutly, and say :
/IDp Xor& anC) /IDp 0o& !
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius X,
May 18, 1907.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
I SEE upon the altar placed
The Victim of the greatest love;
Let all the earth below adore,
And join the heavenly choirs above:
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore,
Oh! make us love Thee more and more.
Jesus! dear Pastor of the flock
That crowds in love about Thy feet,
Our voices yearn to praise Thee, Lord,
And joyfully Thy presence greet:
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore,
Oh! make us love Thee more and more.
*Tr^AiL to Thee ! true Body, sprung
From the Virgin Mary's womb !
The same that on the Cross was hung,
And bore for man the bitter doom !
Thou,whose side was pierced, and flow'd
Both with water and with blood ;
Suffer us to taste of Thee,
In our life's last agony.
Son of Mary, Jesu blest !
Sweetest, gentlest, hohest !
EJACULATIONS
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love !
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation
340 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
SUPPLICATION
MY God, I am unworthy to appear before
Thee. I acknowledge my misery and
poverty. Thou art the fountain of all grace
and the source of all good. Thy beloved Son
has commanded me to pray to Thee, and to
call Thee by the consoling name of Father.
Therefore I prostrate myself with confidence
before Thee, and present to Thee my humble
supplication through the same Lord Jesus
Christ, Who makes intercession for me.
Grant me a lively faith, a firm and constant
hope, and an ardent charity, toward Thee and
my neighbor. Give me strength to subdue my
passions and to overcome the enemies of my
soul. Grant me a humble resignation to Thy
holy will in the adversities of this life ; and,
above all, the gift of final perseverance in Thy
love and service. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
i\)t Mmtwin for tlje ©eatf
AVE mercy also, O Lord, on the souls of
the faithful departed — on the souls of
my parents, benefactors, relatives, friends, and
all those for whom I have promised to pray.
Remember, O Lord, those who, while on earth,
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 347
were most devoted to Thy blessed ^Mother.
Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord ; and
let perpetual light shine upon them. May
they rest in peace. Amen.
Mary, Mother of sorrows, intercede for our
departed friends; pray for all the holy souls
in purgatory.
EJACULATION
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of mercy,
pray for me and for the departed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 15, 1883.
tl}e laater Noster
Our Father.
MY Redeemer I Thou hast commanded
me by word and example to forgive my
■ enemies. I forgive them most heartily for
the love of Thee. Grant them, 0 Lord, all
the graces and blessings that are necessary
j for their spiritual and temporal welfare.
I Now, my Saviour, as I have done what Thou
' hast commanded, do Thou fulfil what Thou
' hast promised, and forgive me my sins.
Thou didst not forget me, 0 sweet Jesus,
^ even in Thy agony. Before expiring on the
34^ Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
cross Thou didst leave me Thy sorrowful
and afflicted Mother to be my Mother also.
''Behold thy son — behold thy Mother.''
I return Thee thanks, O my Saviour, for this
inestimable favor. And thou, my tender
Mother, thou hast begotten me at the foot
of the cross. I am the child of thy sorrow.
Take me under thy protection. Teach me
to love Jesus and direct me how to serve Him
faithfully. O Mary, my Mother, how happy
am I in the glorious privilege of being thy
child ! Show thyself a tender Mother to me
in life and in death. Amen.
l^olg Cotntttuttton
AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Y DEAR Lord and Saviour, though I am
but a sinful servant, I approach Thee
with confidence, for Thou hast said in Thy
goodness and mercy: ''Come to Me, all you »
that labor and are burdened, and I will i
refresh you.'' Thou wilt not despise a con-
trite and humble heart. I am truly sorry
for having offended Thee by my sins, be-
cause Thou art infinitely good. I have
wounded Thy Sacred Heart by foolishly
resisting Thy holy will and transgressing Thy
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 349
commandments ; but I love Thee now with
my whole heart and above all things. I adore
Thee, truly present on the altar. I have a
great desire, dear Jesus, to receive Thee in
holy communion, and since I can not now
approach the Holy Table to be united to
Thee in the Blessed Sacrament. I beseech
Thee most earnestly to come to me at least
spiritually and to refresh my soul with the
sweetness of Thy grace.
Come, my Lord, my God, and my All.
Come to me, and let me never again be sepa-
rated from Thee by sin. I wish to become
like to Thee. Teach me Thy blessed ways ;
help me with Thy grace to practise meekness,
humility, purity, charity, and all the virtues
of Thy Sacred Heart.
Oh, Thou Lamb of God ! Who takest
away the sins of the world, take away from
me whatever may hurt me and displease Thee.
With St. Francis of Assisi, I pray : May the
fire of Thy love consume my soul, so that I
may die to self and the world for the love of
Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to die on the
cross for the love of me !
Jesus, I consecrate to Thee my heart with
all its affections, my soul with all its powers,
and my body with all its senses. In union
with Thee I will live and labor and suffer to do
3 so Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
the heavenly Father's will. I will ever be
mindful of the presence of my God and strive
to be perfect. Bless me in life and in death
that I may praise Thee forever in heaven.
EJACULATION
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
pray for us !
AFTER COMMUNION
(Ty^ loving Saviour, after having suffered
for three hours the most cruel agony;
after having accomplished all that had been
foretold of Thee, Thou didst expire on the
cross. All nature trembled at Thy death.
The rocks were split asunder — and yet,
alas, my ungrateful heart is insensible. I
have, by my sins, been Thy heartless execu-
tioner. O my Redeemer, how can I dare to
stand before Thee ? But Thou didst pardon
the penitent thief ; and this inspires me with
the hope that Thou wilt pardon me also, and
admit me, like him, to the enjoyment of Thy
happy kingdom.
O Mary, Queen of martyrs, through the
sorrow which overwhelmed thy heart at the
foot of the cross, while thou wert witnessing
the last painful act of Our Saviour's Passion
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 351
— through the anguish thou didst feel when
thou didst accompany His sacred body to
the tomb, and the desolation thou didst ex-
perience on thy return, I beseech thee to
obtain that His Passion and thy sorrows may
be ever engraven on my heart, that I may
never cease to deplore my sins, which were
the cause of His death and of thy anguish.
BID me bear, O Mother blessed !
On my heart the wounds impressed,
Suffered by the Crucified.
O thou Mother ! fount of love !
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with thine accord ;
Make feel as thou hast felt ;
jMake my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ my Lord.
*^^^AViNG received, 0 Lord, what is designed
^ to advance our salvation, grant that
we may be always protected by the patronage
of the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, in whose
honor we have offered this sacrifice to Thy
divine Majesty.
352 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
FOR THE CHURCH
E beseech Thee, O Lord, to look with
favor upon Thy people, who cry unto
Thee in their affliction, and for the glory of
Thy name to help us in our tribulations.
rOR THE POPE
V. Oremus pro Ponti- V. Let us pray for our
fice nostro, N. Pontiff, N.
R. Dominus conserve t R. The Lord preserve
eum, et vivificet eum, et him, and give him life,
beatum faciat eum in ter- and make him blessed
ra, et non tradat eum in upon earth, and deliver
animam inimicorum ejus, him not up to the will of
his enemies.
Our Father and Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876.
PRAYERS FOR THE PROPAGATION OP THE PAITH
*T^00K down, 0 God our Protector, and be-
hold the face of Thy Christ, Who gave
Himself for the redemption of all mankind;
and grant that, from the rising of the sun unto
the setting thereof, Thy Name may be magni-
fied among the nations, and that in everyplace
a clean oblation may be sacrificed and offered
in Thy Name. Amen.
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 353
"T^oly and adorable Trinity. Father. Son,
and Holy Ghost, to Thee be honor,
praise, and glory. ^lay this blessing, which
I humbly receive from the hands of Thy
minister, be an anticipation of that one which
I trust Thou wilt give me after my death,
and on the Day of JudgmxCnt. ]\Iay the
blessing of God the Father, of God the Son,
and of God the Holy Ghost come upon me
now and remain with mt always. Amen.
ti}c ILast (^nsprl
MY God. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee,
and I love Thee with all my heart. ]\Iay
Thy holy Gospel be propagated throughout
the world. Assist the ministers whom Thou
hast appointed to carry the light of faith to
unbelieA'ers, or to revive it among lukewarm
Christians. Grant to all the clergy that spirit
of zeal, fortitude, and knowledge which Thou
didst im^part to Thy holy apostles on the day
of Pentecost. Thou hast commanded us,
0 Lord, to pray to the Lord of the harvest
that He may send laborers to work in His
vineyard. Wherefore I humbly beseech
Thee, Who didst call the apostles to announce
354 Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary
Thy word, to send us worthy pastors, and to
grant that they may edify the flock, destroy
errors and abuses, root out vice, dispel igno-
rance, and estabhsh Thy reign in the souls
Thou hast redeemed with Thy blood. Bless all
Religious, that they may be faithful to their
holy calling, and labor earnestly for Thy glory
and for the salvation of souls. Reign Thou,
0 Christ, over all men by Thy love. O Word
of God, made flesh, grant us the grace that
we may be admitted to the kingdom of Thy
glory. Amen.
"T* GIVE Thee thanks, O my God, for having
permitted me to assist at this Holy Sacri-
fice. I humbly ask pardon for all the negli-
gences and distractions of which I have been
guilty. Eternal praise be given to Thy holy
name for all the privileges bestowed on the
Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Thou didst pre-
serve from the stain of original sin, and didst
make worthy to be the Mother of our Re-
deemer. Thou didst place her on a throne
of glory to be Queen of heaven and earth.
1 rejoice at her glory, because she is the Mother
of Jesus, and my Mother also. 0 loving
Mother, protect thy children, and conduct
Mass in Honor of Blessed Virgin Mary 355
them to heaven. O holy Mary, Help of
Christians ! may all who place themselves
under thy protection experience thy assist-
ance, rejoice in thy glory, and praise God with
thee forever.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the
promises of Christ.
Let us pray
LMiGHTY and merciful God, Who for the safeguard of
Christendom hast wondrously set up the most blessed
Virgin Mary to be to thy people an unfailing help : vouch-
safe, we beseech thee, that, trusting through the battle
of life in so sure a defense, we may, at the hour of our death,
finally triumph over the enemy of our souls.
<Espiration to d^nx Hang
To implore victory over temptations.
ODOMINA mea! O (T\^ Lady and my
Mater mea ! memento ,VI*^ Mother, remember I
me esse tuum. Serva me, am thine ; protect and de-
defende me, ut rem et pas- fend me as thy property and
sessionem tuam. possession.
Indulgence of 40 days, each time. — Pius IX, Aug. 5,
1851.
EJACULATIONS
- Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX, Sept. 30,
1852.
356 Mass for Communion Days
OMARY, who didst enter the world free from stain, do
thou obtain for me from God that I may pass out of
it free from sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, March
27, 1863.
Mother, we pray false love may lose its lure.
And only love that doth not taint nor cloy
May hold us — as the Spotless holds the Pure,
As thou. Immaculate, the Stainless Boy !
O never delight from Hfe we'll borrow
To mar thy face with a mother's sorrow :
Be now and through each swift to-morrow
Cause of our Joy !
(From Cautate Marice: David Bearne, S.J.)
Mother Mary ! to thy keeping
Soul and body we confide.
Toiling, resting, waking, sleeping
To be ever at thy side ;
Cares that vex us, joys that please us,
Life and death we trust to thee ;
Thou must make them all for Jesus,
And for all eternity 1 — Father Faber.
/IDass for Communion Ba^s
I71 Honor of the Blessed Sacrament
^3r^|yatatt0n for anti ^fjanksgibing ^fter Communion
HE following pra\'ers are so arranged as to occupy your
time usefully whenever you assist at Mass in prepara-
tion for holy communion. Remember, however, that you
are not in any way bound to say all these prayers; nor,
indeed, any of them. In place of them, you may choose
other prayers from this book, or substitute such acts of
Mass for Communion Days 357
faith, hope, charity, adoration, contrition, reparation,
thanksgiving, and suppUcation, as are found in the section,
Devotions for Holy Communion, immediately following De-
votions for Confession. If you can occupy a part or the
whole of the time in meditating or reflecting on the Holy
Eucharist in connection with the Passion and death of Our
Lord; on the Last Supper and the wonderful love and
kindness of Jesus, our Saviour, in instituting this marvelous
Sacrament ; and in exciting in your heart holy desires and
pious affections together with good resolutions, so much the
better. Otherwise you will find suitable occupation of
mind and a stimulant to devotion, we trust, in the following
prayers. When you feel inspired to do so, discard the book,
speak to God from your heart, converse with Him freely
and familiarly, with the simplicity and confidence of a child
in the act of addressing a good and kind father.
Ofering of hitentions for Mass and Communion
I
At your Choice
TERNAL Father, I unite myself with the intentions
and affections of our Lady of Sorrows on Calvary,
and I offer Thee the sacrifice which Thy beloved Son Jesus
made of Himself on the Cross, and now renews on this holy
altar: i. To adore Thee and give Thee the honor which
is due to Thee, confessing Thy supreme dominion over all
things, and the absolute dependence of everything upon
Thee, Thou Who art our one and last end. 2. To thank
Thee for innumerable benefits received. 3. To appease
Thy justice, irritated against us by so many sins, and to
make satisfaction for them. 4. To implore grace and
mercy for myself, for . . ., for all afflicted and sorrowing,
for poor sinners, for all the world, and for the holy souls in
Purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jul}^ 8, 1904.
3S8 Mass for Communion Days
II
Prayer to the Eucharistic Heart
OEUCHARiSTic Heart, O sovereign love of Our Lord
Jesus, who hast instituted the august Sacrament, in
order to dwell here below with us and to give to our souls
Thy Flesh as food and Thy Blood as drink, we confidently
trust, O Lord Jesus, in the supreme love which instituted
the most holy Eucharist ; and here, in the presence of this
Victim, it is just that we should adore, confess, and exalt
this love, as the great store-house of the life of Thy Church.
This love is an urgent invitation for us, as though Thou
didst say to us : See how I love you ! giving you My Flesh
as food, and My Blood as drink ; I desire by this union to
excite your charity, I desire to unite you to Myself, I desire
to effect the transformation of your souls into My crucified
Self, I Who am the Bread of eternal life. Give me then
your hearts, live in My life, and you shall live in God."
We recognize, O Lord, that such is the appeal of Thy
Eucharistic Heart, and we thank Thee for it, and we desire
earnestly to respond to it. Grant us the grace to be keenly
alive to this supreme love, with which, before Thy Passion,
Thou didst invite us to receive and feed upon Thy sacred
Body. Print deeply on our souls the firm determination
to respond faithfully to this invitation. Give us devotion
and reverence whereby we may honor and receive worthily
the gift of Thy supreme love, and of Thy Eucharistic Heart.
Grant that we may thus be able, with Thy grace, to cele-
brate profitably the remembrance of Thy Passion, to make
reparation for our offenses and our coldness, to nourish
and increase our love for Thee, and to keep ever living
within our hearts this seed of a blessed immortality.
Amen.
Indulgences: i. 300 days, during Exposition. 2. Plen-
ary, once a month. For daily recitation and half-
hour's adoration once a week. Conditions : confession,
communion. — Leo XIII, June 2, 1902. — From " The Rac-
colta."
Mass for Communion Days 359
OLY Mary, Mother of God, St. John, evangeUst and
beloved disciple of Our Lord, St. Thomas Aquinas,
St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Paschal Baylon, St. Francis
Xavier, St. Aloysius, St. Juliana, Blessed Margaret Mary
Alacoque, St. Clara, St. Gertrude, St. Mechtildis ! Ye
great saints and lovers of Jesus in the Sacrament of His
love, pray for me that I may receive the Lord most worthily
in holy communion; that I may love Him more and
more; that I may follow His example in the practice of
every virtue and in the faithful discharge of all my duties ;
that I may persevere in holiness to the end of my life and
attain to eternal salvation.
%i tfje iSeginnmg of iWlass
I BELIEVE in Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, because Thou
art Truth itself, and Thou hast said: "My flesh is
meat indeed; and My blood is drink indeed." I hope in
Thee, O infinite Mercy, because in Thy loving kindness
toward us Thou hast promised that "whosoever shall eat of
this bread shall live forever." I love Thee, O eternal
Goodness, above all things, with that love "which is diffused
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Who is given to us;"
and therefore I grieve with my whole heart for the sins I
have committed, and I detest them, with the resolution of
not sinning again. "A contrite and humble heart, O God,
Thou wilt not despise."
O my God, I wish to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass which is about to begin, with all possible attention
and devotion, for I believe it is the very same sacrifice,
ofifered now in an unbloody manner, which was once offered
for us on Calvary. In union with the intention of the
priest at the altar, I offer this holy sacrifice to Thee as an
act of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and prayer ; par-
ticularly to obtain the grace of a good communion, and a
complete transformation of myself into the likeness of
Jesus Christ.
360 Mass for Communion Days
%i tfje (JTonfiteor anti Itgrte
OMY God, give me the purity and holiness necessary to
approach the holy table in a most worthy and profitable
manner. I am heartily sorry for all the sins of my life,
because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely
good and worthy of all love. Kyrie eleison. Have mercy
on me, and, according to the multitude of Thy mercies, blot
out my iniquities.
t])t Gloria m Extzlm
j^LORY and thanks be to Thee, O God, for having worked
VS) such wonders for us. Thy creatures, born in sin. I
praise, O Lord, Thy goodness; I bless Thy holy name;
I adore Thy greatness and power ; I beg of Thee to infuse
into my heart that peace and joy which Thou didst come
on earth to spread amongst men. Give me strength of will
against my evil tendencies ; destroy my bad habits ; help
me to do Thy will and thus to become a saint.
m tije Collects
OGOD, Who, under a wonderful Sacrament, hast left us
a memorial of Thy Passion, grant us Thy grace, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy
body and blood, that we may ever feel within us the fruit
of Thy redemption. Who livest and reignest world with-
out end. Amen.
Give me daily more and more, O my God, Thy love and
Thy grace, that I may keep my eyes fixed upon eternal
things and persevere in Thy service, until with the saints
and angels I may praise and glorify Thee forever in heaven.
Amen.
Mass for Communion Days
361
HE saints and prophets of the Old Law desired to see
the things that I see; how ardently Abraham and
Moses and David and Daniel and Elias desired the coming
of the world's Redeemer. They saw the types and figures ;
I see the reality. Moses saw the manna and the paschal
lamb ; I see the Bread from heaven and the Lamb of God,
Who takes away the sins of the world. The heart of David
panted for Thee, my God, as the hart for the water-brooks,
and Daniel was called " a man of desires." Oh, that I could
desire Thee as they did ! What a shame it would be if
their desires were more fervent than my thanksgiving now
for the favors and graces that I have received through the
Incarnation and Passion of Jesus, and especially through
the Holy Eucharist. I offer Thee all their desires, and with
David I cry out: ''What have I in heaven but Thee?
And, besides Thee, what do I desire upon earth? Thou
art the God of my heart, and my portion forever."
tlje Gospel
Promise God that you will always listen with great rev-
erence to His word, saying :
/TpV AY Thy word, O my God, be always as sweet music
JJL^ to my ears, and as honey to my lips. To whom shall
I listen but to Thee, Who hast the words of eternal life.
The words of men are as chaff scattered by the wind, but
Thy words endure forever. These are Thy words, O Lord :
''Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which
endureth unto life everlasting." "The Bread of God is
that which cometh down from heaven." "I am the Bread
of life ; he that cometh to Me shall not hunger, and he that
believeth in Me shall not thirst forever." "He that eateth
My flesh and drinketh My blood hath everlasting Hfe, and
I will raise him up at the Last Day."
362 Mass for Communion Days
O Sacrament most holy ! O Sacrament divine !
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VI, May 24,
1776.
An Act of Faith, Adoration, Hope, and Love
OMY Lord, I fii-mly believe that Thou art really, truly,
and substantially present, as God and man, with soul
and body, with flesh and blood, in the most holy Sacrament
of the Altar. I adore Thee beneath the sacramental veil
which Thou hast mercifully chosen in order to approach
us. I believe that Thou dwellest on our altars to be the
food of our souls, our sacrifice to the infinite majesty of
the heavenly Father, our light in darkness, our strength in
temptation, our consolation in affliction, our master a.nd
model in the school of perfection, our friend in ever}^ need.
Thou art our hope and our salvation. Heart of Jesus, I
trust in Thee. I hope in that boundless love, which keeps
Thee a prisoner in the tabernacle. "No one hath hoped
in the Lord and been put to shame." By thy goodness
and mercy I hope to be eternally happy. I love Thee with
my whole heart and above all things. Forgive my past in-
difference, my coldness toward Thee in the Sacrament of
Thy love.
EJACULATIONS
O sweetest Heart of Jesus ! I implore,
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX, Feb.
29, 1868.
My Jesus, mercy !
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius IX, Sept.
24, 1846.
yT^AY Thy Sacred Heart be loved everywhere ! Grant
\Aa that I ma}^ love Thee ever more generously and be
ever ready to sacrifice all to Thy love. I wish by my
Mass for Communion Days 363
presence at this Mass to honor especially the wound in
Thy Sacred Heart, in order that through it Thou ma} est
pour Thy blessings, according to Thy good pleasure, on
Thy friends and mine. Pardon my sins; establish Thy
kingdom in my heart; reign therein supremely. Raise
a barrier against the spirit of the world. Teach me to
transform my actions into as many acts of love, so that
after having known and loved Thee here below, by the light
of faith, I may behold Thee face to face in all Thy glory,
and love Thee in heaven for all eternity.
tfjc ^ffrrtorg
Present yourself to God. begging of Him to effect an
entire change in your heart.
OjEsrs, Thou art all-powerful, and it is this power,
which, through the words of Thy priest, changes bread
into Thy body, and wine into Thy precious blood. ^ly
dear Lord, do Thou work a like change in me, that no
longer of this world as I have hitherto been, I may be-
come truly spiritual ; that I may be truly wise ; that I
may seek after and rehsh only the things of Thy king-
dom — the things that I can carry with me into the
eternal life; that, animated with Thy sentiments. O
my Jesus, I may be transformed into Thee, and that in
my conduct toward my neighbor, I may be ruled by
Thy spirit. In union with this Holy Sacrifice I con-
secrate my heart to Thee, 0 my God; I place it in Thy
hands; transform it completely, so that in the future it
may follow only the sweet impulse of Thy grace, which
shall make it love virtue. I consecrate to Thee my mind
and my body, my whole self, to be employed in Thy service
and to Thy glory, so that by Thy grace I may be able to
say with the Apostle : ''I live, now not I, but Christ liveth
in me."
364 Mass for Communion Days
tije Secret Pragers
IN virtue of the pleading of the Passion of Thine only-
begotten Son, may the sacrifice we offer to Thee, O Lord,
quicken us and strengthen us.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, at the
sixth hour, didst mount the tree of the cross to redeem
the world, and didst shed Thy precious blood for the wash-
ing away of our sins, we humbly beseech Thee that, sum-
moned one day by Thee from this life, it may be ours, with
joy to pass through the gates of paradise.
%i tf}c Preface anti tije Sanetus
*T 'et us give thanks to the Lord our God ; for it is meet
k and just. I give Thee thanks, my divine Saviour, for
the institution of this most wonderful sacrament, in which
Thou hast bequeathed to us the fountain of all graces, as
a perpetual remembrance of Thy boundless love and bitter
sufferings. I give Thee thanks for the numerous graces
that I have received through this sacrament at Mass,
holy communion, benediction, and in my visits to Thy
sanctuary.
I love Thee, my Lord, and because I love Thee, I give
myself entirely to Thee. I long to receive Thee this day;
however, while longing for Thee, dear Jesus, to come into
my heart, and to unite Thyself to me as the best of all
friends, I must not forget Thy might and majesty. How
great and glorious, how wise and beautiful art Thou, O my
God ! How presumptuous it would be to entertain the
desire to come so near to Thee, hadst not Thou Thyself
invited me. I am a sinner ; yet I love Thee, and because
Thou art infinitely good, I am sorry for having offended
Thee. And though I believe that Thou, the great God, art
coming into my heart, I do not lose my awe and reverence
for Thee, but can only wonder at Thy marvelous goodness
and condescension. Let me, then, join my feeble voice to
that of the angels who surround Thy throne, singing to Thee
Mass for Communion Days 365
in unceasing chorus : Holy, hoi}', holy, Lord God of hosts !
The heavens and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna
in the highest I Blessed is He that cometh in the name of
the Lord. Hosanna in the highest !
tfje Canon
Memento for the Living
OGoD, we beseech Thee, grant us through this Holy Sac-
rifice the remission of our sins ; imbue us with strength
and valor in the warfare against the enemies of our salva-
tion ; aid us in the pursuit of virtue, and bless us with the
grace of final perseverance. Permit me to offer my sup-
plications for the peace and prosperity of Thy holy Church ;
bless and protect our Holy Father the Pope; look down
in mercy upon our Bishops and Priests ; animate them with
zeal for the sanctification and salvation of souls. Inflame
their hearts with divine charity ; render their lives as holy
as the law they inculcate, so that by word and examiple
they may edify the faithful. Pardon the sinners and con-
vert all to the true faith ; have pity on all who are now in
their agony and who are to die this day. O ye holy apostles,
martyrs, and virgins, whom the Church remembers in the
Canon of the ]\Iass, intercede for us, for our friends, relatives,
benefactors, and all those to whom we have promised our
prayers, that the good God may give them that grace
which will most help them to save their souls, to lead a holy
and peaceful life in this world, and to be happy forever in
heaven. And do Thou, O divine Saviour, graciously con-
descend to come now upon our altar, to bless Thy servants
who are assisting at this Mass, and especially those who
are longing to be united to Thee in holy communion.
lijc (JTonsecrattan anU lElcbatton
When the priest genuflects immediately after the con-
secration, make a profound inclination of the head ; then,
366 Mass for Communion Days
kneeling erect, look upon the sacred Host when raised above
the head of the priest, and say devoutly :
/IDl? 3Lot& an& /IDp <Bo& !
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius X,
May 18, 1907.
Then bend the head again and adore the Blessed Sacra-
ment while the priest genuflects.
At the elevation of the chalice adore the precious blood
of Jesus Christ and say an ejaculatory indulgenced prayer.
TERNAL Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of
Jesus in satisfaction for my sins and for the wants of
Holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius VII, Sept. 22,
1817.
To he Said in Reparation jor Blasphemies
TERNAL Father, by the most Precious Blood of Jesus
Christ, glorify his most holy Name, according to the
intention and the desires of his adorable Heart.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 27, 1908.
EJACULATION
O SACRAMENT most holy ! O Sacrament divine !
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine !
Indulgence of 100 days, once during each Mass, when
said at the elevation of both species. — Pius VII, Dec. 7,
1819.
•after tl)e lEleijatton
Memento for the Dead
OLORD Jesus Christ, on Whose glory the angels and
saints in heaven gaze with rapturous delight. Thou
hast deigned out of love for us to veil Thy beauty under the
appearances of bread and wine, that we might approach
Mass for Communion Days 367
Thee more confidently ; Thou art even now ready to come
to me. Would that my soul were adorned with all those
virtues which my good Jesus desires to find at His coming.
In my poverty I must appeal to Thyself, my Lord, and I
therefore beseech Thee, w^hen Thou comest into my heart,
to plant there the seed of every flower of virtue that is
pleasing to Thee. I promise Thee to water and nourish
them all by prayer and self-denial, so that every time Thou
comest into my heart Thou mayest find them growing and
flourishing more and more. I know, O my God, the work of
keeping them alive will be difiicult to flesh and blood, but
I am w^illing to make any sacrifice to please Thee, and I
trust also in Thee to water them plentifully v/ith dew from
heaven — the precious dew of Thy grace.
Merciful God ! I beseech Thee, have pity on the poor holy
souls in purgatory, who are longing to be admitted into the
heavenly paradise — longing more to see Thy face than
to be freed from the fierce flames in which Thy justice is ob-
liged to keep them till their debt is paid. I offer Thee the
precious blood of Jesus ; I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of
Jesus to pay their debt. Eternal rest give unto them, O
Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they
rest in peace. Amen.
Say the Our Father slowly and devoutly.
*T 'amb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
— k have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the w^orld,
have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
grant us Thy peace.
368 Mass for Communion Days
tfje Hflntinc, non .Sum iBignus
* I * ORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under
« 1 A my roof ; but only say the word, and my soul shall
be healed.
AY the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my
soul unto life everlasting. i\men.
•after Comtttunt0n
Make acts of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and
prayer.
^Esus, my Lord and my God, I adore Thee ! With
Magdalen I kiss Thy sacred feet. With John, the
Beloved Disciple, let me rest upon Thy Sacred Heart. I
love Thee and desire to love Thee more and more. Speak
to me and tell me what Thou wishest me to do. I am Thy
servant ready to follow Thee and willing to make any
sacrifice for love of Thee. Establish Thy kingdom firmly
in my heart ; crush out its self-love and pride. I give Thee
thanks, O Lord, for condescending in Thy goodness and
love to give Thyself to me — to me, so poor and miserable,
so imperfect and unfaithful.
Mary, my Queen, my Mother, and all ye angels and
saints of heaven, thank the Lord for me; praise Him for
His goodness; bless Him for His mercy.
My God ! I am truly sorry for having offended Thee so
often and so grievously. I will endeavor to make reparation
to Thee for my past ingratitude by my fidelity to Thy
grace, by my devotedness to my duties, by seeking to
please Thee perfectly in all my actions, and by honoring
Thee especially in the Holy Eucharist. I am resolved to
overcome my predominant passion and to resist every evil
inclination of iny heart. For love of Thee, I will also be
kind to others in thought, word, and deed.
I pray Thee to bless me ; keep me in Thy love ; grant me
the grace of perseverance.
Mass for Communion Days 369
Sweet Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may love Thee
more and more. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make
my heart like unto Thine. May Thy holy will, 0 God, be
done in me and through me now and forever.
AKE, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, and my whole will. Thou hast
given me all that I am, and all that I possess. I surrender
it all to Thee, that Thou mayest dispose of it according to
Thy will. Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with
these I will be rich enough, and will have no more to desire.
— St. Ignatius Loyola.
OUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me :
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy v/ounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
For all eternity. Amen.
tijc Blessing
AY Thy blessing, O Lord, descend upon us all, that
we may love Thee above all things and love one an-
other for Thy sake. In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
370
Mass for Communion Days
m tije ilast ©ospfl
OST dear Lord Jesus Christ, Who, being made an
infant for us, wast wiUing to be born in a cave, to
free us from the darkness of sin, to draw us to Thyself, and
to inflame us with Thy holy love ; we adore Thee as our
Creator and Redeemer, we accept and choose Thee for
our King and Lord, and for tribute we offer Thee all the
affections of our poor hearts. Dear Jesus, our Lord and
God, deign to accept this offering, and that it may be
worthy of Thine acceptance, pardon us our faults, en-
lighten us, and inflame us with that holy fire which Thou
camest to bring into the world and enkindle in men's
hearts. May our souls thus become a perpetual sacrifice
in Thy honor. Grant that we may ever seek Thy greater
glory here on earth, so that we may one day come to rejoice
in Thy infinite loveliness in heaven. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan.
i8, 1894.
Prayer
ow full of delight is the sweetness of Thy heavenly
Bread ! How admirable is the tranquillity and how
complete the peace of those who receive Thee, after detest-
ing and sincerely confessing their sins. Be Thou blessed
a thousand times, my Jesus ! When I was in sin, I was
unhappy. Now not only do I find my soul tranquil, but
I seem to enjoy a very foretaste of the peace of Paradise.
How true it is that our hearts are made for Thee, m}^ be-
loved Lord, and that they rejoice only when the}^ repose in
Thee. I, then, render Thee thanks, and firmly purpose
ever to fly sin and its occasions, to fix my abode in Thy
divine Heart, and thence to look for help to love Thee until
death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, if said after communion. — Leo
XIII, June 3, 1897-
Mass for Communion Days 371
INDULGENCED PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION TO JESUS
CRUCIFIED
'^T^ OOK down upon me, good and gentle
J — i Jesus, while before Thy face T humbly
kneel, and with burning soul pray and be-
seech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sen-
timents of faith, hope, and charity, true
contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of
amendment ; and while I contemplate with
great love and tender pity Thy five wounds,
pondering over them within me, and call-
ing to mind the words which David, Thy
prophet, said of Thee, my good Jesus : ''They have pierced
My hands and My feet ; they have numbered all My bones "
(Ps. xxi. 17, 18).
Say five times the Our Father and Hail Mary and Glory
for the Catholic Church and the intentions of the Holy
Father. His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, July 31, 1858, con-
firmed anew the plenary indulgence granted by Clement
Vin and Benedict XIV, and confirmed by Pius VII and
Leo XII, to those who shall say this prayer with devotion be-
fore an image or picture of our crucified Redeemer. To gain
this plenary indulgence, some time must be spent in prayer
after communion for the intention of the Holy Father.
" The Raccolta," by Father Ambrose St. John, of the Ora-
tory of St. Philip Neri, Birmingham, England, gives the
following version of this prayer :
OGOOD and sweetest Jesus, before thy face I humbly
kneel, and with the greatest fervor of spirit I pray
and beseech Thee to vouchsafe to fix deep in my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition
for my sins, and a most firm purpose of amendment ; whilst
I contemplate with great sorrow and affection Thy five
wounds, and ponder them over in my mind, having before
my eyes the words which, long ago, David the prophet
spoke in his own person concerning Thee, my Jesus :
They have pierced My hands and My feet ; they have num-
bered all My bones (Ps. xxi. 17, 18).
372 Mass for Communion Days
Cfjanltsgtbtng of <St» ^fjomas Aquinas
(From the Roman Missal)
I GIVE Thee thanks, eternal Father, for having, out of
Thy pure mercy, without any deserts of mine, been
pleased to feed my soul with the body and blood of Thy
only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I beseech Thee that
this holy communion may not be to my condemnation, but
prove an effectual remission of all my sins. May it
strengthen my faith; encourage me in all that is good;
deliver me from my vicious customs; remove all concu-
piscence; perfect me in charity, patience, humility, and
obedience, and in all other virtues. May it secure me
against all the snares of my enemies, both visible and in-
visible; perfectly moderate all my inclinations, closely
unite me to Thee, the true and only good, and happily
settle me in unchangeable bliss. I now make it my hearty
request, that Thou wilt one day admit me, though an un-
worthy sinner, to be a guest at Thy divine Banquet where
Thou, with Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints
true light, the fulfilling of their every desire, their ever-
lasting gladness, their treasure beyond price, and their utter
happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
JESUS, GENTLE SAVIOUR
Esus, gentle Saviour,
God of might and power,
Thou Thyself art dwelling
In me at this hour.
Multiply Thy graces.
Chiefly love and fear,
And, dear Lord, the chiefest,
Grace to persevere.
When my heart Thou lea vest.
Lord, worthless though it be.
Give it to Thy Mother
To be kept for Thee.
Mass for Communion Days 373
PRAYER TO MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS
OST holy and immaculate Virgin Mary, our most
tender Mother, and powerful Help of Christians, we
dedicate ourselves entirely to thy most sweet love and holy
service. We consecrate our minds vnth all their thoughts,
our hearts ^\^th all their affections, our bodies with all their
senses and powers, and we promise to desire always to
work for the greater glor}^ of God and for the salvation
of souls. Meanwhile do thou, O incomparable Virgin,
who hast always been the Help of the Christian people,
continue to show thyself such, especially in these days.
Humble the enemies of our holy religion, and frustrate their
evil purposes. Enlighten and strengthen bishops and
priests, and keep them ever united in obedience to the Pope,
their infallible master. Preserve incautious youth from
irreligion and vice. Promote holy vocations and increase
the number of thy sacred ministers, that by means of them
the Kingdom of Jesus Christ may be preserved among
us, and extended to the farthest boundaries of the
earth.
We pray thee also, most sweet Mother, to look at all
times with compassion upon the young and thoughtless,
exposed to so many dangers, and upon poor sinners and
the dying; be for all a sweet hope, O Mary, Mother of
Mercy and Gate of Heaven.
Also we pray thee for ourselves, O great Mother of God.
Teach us to copy thy virtues and especially angelic modesty,
profound humility, and ardent charity; so that by word
and example we may, as far as is possible in our state of life,
present in the midst of the world a living image of blessed
Jesus thy Son, and may cause thee to be known and loved,
and so may succeed in saving many souls.
Obtain for us, O Mary our Helper, that we may be all
gathered under thy maternal mantle, that in temptation
we may invoke thee promptly and confidently; in short,
that the thought of thee, so good, so loving, and so dear,
and the remembrance of the love which thou bearest to
thy clients may be such a support to us, as to render us
374 Marriage Service and Mass
victorious over the enemies of our souls in life and in death,
so that we may become thy crown in beautiful Paradise.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Leo XIII, March
10, 1900.
/IDarnage Service ant) /Il>a66
The Ritual for the Celebration of Matrimony
HE priest, vested in surpUce and white stole (or, if the
Nuptial Mass is to follow, vested as for Mass, yet
without the maniple), in the hearing of the chosen witnesses,
asks the man and the woman separately as follows, concern-
ing their consent. First he asks the bridegroom, who
should stand at the right hand of the bride :
N., wilt thou take N., here present, for thy lawful wife,
according to the rite of our holy Mother the Church.
R. I will.
Then the priest asks the bride :
N., wilt thou take N., here present, for thy lawful hus-
band, according to the rite of our holy Mother the Church ?
R. I will.
Having obtained their mutual consent, the priest bids
the man and the woman join their right hands. Then they
pledge themselves each to the other as follows, repeating
the words after the priest.
The man first says :
I, N.N., take thee, N.N., for my lawful wife, to have and
to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death
do us part.
Then the woman says :
I, N.N., take thee, N.N., for my lawful husband, to have
and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until
death do us part.
The priest then says :
Marriage Service and Mass
375
A^GO conjungo vos in join you together in
^>\, matrimonium, in no- marriage, in the name
mine Patris, ^ et FiHi, et of the Father, »^ and of the
Spiritus Sancti. Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen. Amen.
Ke then sprinkles them with holy water. This done,
he blesses the ring, saying :
'i-jDjUTORioi nostrum
cJ*~^ in nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit caelum et
t err am.
T'. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor mens ad Te
veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
Or emus
BEXEDic, ►f* Domine, an-
nulum hunc. quem nos
in Tuo nomine benedicimus,
ut quas eum gestaverit,
fidelitatem integram suo
sponso tenens, in pace et
voluntate Tua permaneat,
atque in mutua charitate
semper vivat. Per Christum
Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
OUR help is in the name of
the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven
and earth.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray
BLESS, ^ O Lord, this
ring, which we bless ^
in Thy name, that she who
shall wear it, keeping true
faith unto her spouse, may
abide in Thy peace and in
obedience to Thy will, and
e^'er live in mutual love.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Then the priest sprinkles the ring with holy water in the
form of a cross; and the bridegroom having received the
ring from the hand of the priest places it on the third
finger of the left hand of the bride, saying :
With this ring I thee wed, and I phght unto thee mv
troth.
376 Marriage Service and Mass
Then the priest says :
IN nomine Patris, 1^ et
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.
Amen.
This done, the priest adds
V. Confirma hoc, Deus,
quod operatus es in nobis.
R. A templo sancto Tuo
quod est in Jerusalem.
V. Kyrie eleison.
R. Christe eleison.
V. Kyrie eleison.
Pater noster (secreto).
V. Et ne nos inducas in
tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Salvos fac servos Tuos.
R. Deus mens, sperantes
in Te.
V. Mitte eis, Domine,
auxilium de sancto.
R. Et de Sion tuere eos.
V. Esto eis, Domine, tur-
ris fortitudinis.
R. A facie inim.ici.
F. Domine, exaudi ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad
Te veniat.
V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
IN the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
V. Confirm, O God, that
which Thou hast wrought
in us.
R. From Thy holy tem-
ple, which is in Jerusalem.
V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, etc.
V. And lead us not into
temptation.
R. But deliver us from
evil.
V. Save Thy servants.
R. Who hope in Thee, 0
my God.
V. Send them help, 0
Lord, from Thy holy place.
R. And defend them out
of Sion.
V. Be unto them, Lord,
a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the
enemy.
V. O Lord, hear my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Marriage Service and Mass
377
Or emus Let us pray
ESPICE, quaesumus. Do- ' i ' ook down with favor,
mine, super hos famu- , i i 0 Lord, we beseech
lo5 Tuos, et institutis Tuis, Thee, upon these Thy serv-
quibus propagationem hu- ants, and graciously pro-
mani generis ordinasti, be- tect this Thine ordinance,
nigus assiste, ut qui Te auc- whereby Thou hast pro-
tore junguntur, Te auxiliante vided for the propagation
serventur. Per Christum of mankind ; that they who
Dominum nostrum. are joined together by Thy
.\men. authority may be preserved
by Thy help ; through Christ
our Lord.
Amen.
Then, if the Nuptial Blessing is to be given, follows the
/IDass for tbe JSnbegroom anb Bribe
(From the Roman Missal)
Cljf Cntrott
(Tob. vii.)
AY the God of Israel join you together ; and may He
>J-^ be with you Who was merciful to two only children.
And now, 0 Lord, make them bless Thee more fully. Ps.
Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, that walk in His
ways. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Ghost.
Z\]Z Collect
d I 'TArTaTTTv and merciful God, graciously hear us, that
eJf^ what is accomplished by our ministry ma\' be abun-
dantly filled with Thy blessing ; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
378 Marriage Service and Mass
(Eph. V. 22-23)
BRETHREN : Let women be subject to their husbands, as
to the Lord. Because the husband is the head of the
wife ; as Christ is the Head of the Church : He is the
saviour of His body. Therefore, as the Church is subject
to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all
things. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved
the Church, and delivered Himself up for it : that He might
sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of
life : that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church,
not having spot or wrinkle, nor any such thing, but that it
should be holy and without blemish. So also ought men
to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever hated his own
flesh : but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth
the Church : because we are members of His body, of His
flesh, and of His bones. ''For this cause shall a man leave
his father and mother : and shall cleave to his wife, and
they shall be two in one flesh." This is a great sacrament :
but I speak in Christ and in the Church. Nevertheless,
let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself :
and let the wife fear her husband.
(Ps. cxxvii)
^^^HY wife shall be as a fruitful vine on the sides of thy
house. V. Thy children as oHve-plants round about
thy table. Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps. xix. May the
Lord send you help from the sanctuary, and defend you out
of Sion. Alleluia.
After Septuagesima, instead of Alleluia and V. is said :
Marriage Service and Mass 379
(Ps. cxxvii)
BEHOLD, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the
Lord. May the Lord bless thee out of Sion, and
mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days
of thy life. V. And mayest thou see thy children's chil-
dren : peace upon Israel.
In Paschal time, the Gradual is omitted and the following
is said :
Alleluia, Alleluia. May the Lord send you help from
the sanctuary, and defend you out of Sion. Alleluia.
May the Lord out of Sion bless 3^ou : He that made heaven
and earth. Alleluia.
Wc^z (gospel
(Matt. xix. 3-6)
T that time : There came to Jesus the Pharisees,
tempting Him, and saying : Is it lawful for a man
to put away his wife for every cause ? Who, answering,
said to them : Have ye not read, that He who made man
from the beginning, made them male and female ? And
He said: "For this cause shall a man leave father and
mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be
in one flesh." Therefore now they are not two, but one
flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let no
man put asunder.
(Ps. xxx)
IN Thee, O Lord, have I put my trust ; I have said :
Thou art my God ; my life is in Thy hands.
380 Marriage Service and Mass
ECEiVE, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift which has
been offered to Thee according to the sacred rite of
marriage : Thou hast made this union to come to pass, be
it Thine also to prosper it.
W()z Nuptial Blessing
After the Pater Nosier, the priest, standing at the Epistle
side of the altar, turns toward the bridegroom and bride
kneeling before him, and says :
Let us pray
RACiousLY hear our prayers, O Lord, and in Thy loving
kindness impart Thy blessing to the union which
Thou hast appointed for the propagation of the race of
man ; nor, by thy grace, may what thou thyself hast joined
ever be put asunder.
Let us pray
OGoD, who by thy might hast out of nothing made all
things, who, in the beginning having set up the world,
didst bestow on man, whom thou hadst created in thine
own likeness, the inseparable help of woman, fashioning
her body from his very flesh, and thereby teaching us that
it is never lawful to put asunder what it has pleased thee
to make of one substance ; O God, who hast consecrated
wedlock by a surpassing mystery, since in holy matrimony
is shown forth the sacrament of Christ and his Church;:
O God, who joinest woman to man, and ordainest their
life in common chiefly in order that theirs might be that
blessing given by Thee in the beginning, and which alone,
neither the punishment Thou didst inflict for the sin of
our first parents, nor thy wrath shown in the flood, took
away ; look down in mercy upon this thine handmaid who,
Marriage Service arid Mass 381
being about to enter upon wedded life, seeks to be strength-
ened by Thy protection ; may the yoke she has to bear
be one of love and of peace ; faithful and chaste, may she
marry in Christ ; her \Yhole hfe modeled upon that of holy
women ; may she be pleasing to her husband as was Rachel ;
may she be wise as Rebecca : may she be long-lived and true
as was Sarah ; may the author of Evil have no share in any
of her actions ; may she pass her days true to the troth she
has plighted, and faithful in her obedience, devoted to one
man only ; may she take heed lest she care for another ;
may she strengthen her own weakness with wholesome
discipline ; may she be respected for her seriousness, and
venerated for her modesty ; may she be well versed in all
heavenly teachings; may she be prolific in offspring. In
all things may she be approved and innocent, and thus, in
the end, attain to the rest of the blessed and to the kingdom
of heaven. And may the one and the other of these see
their children's children to the third and fourth generation,
and come to the good old age they look forward to.
Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Wlao liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one
God world without end. Amen.
The priest then continues the Mass, saying the prayer
Libera, as in the Canon ; and it is fitting that the Bride-
groom and Bride receive Holy Communion at the time
appointed therefor.
Kl)t Cammunton
BEHOLD, thus shall ever}- man be blessed that feareth
the Lord; and m_a.yest thou see thy children's chil-
dren : peace be to Israel.
Z\jt i^ost (Cnmmunton
Vyi V *E beseech Thee. 0 Almighty God. in Thy great good-
v1lA» ness. to show favor to that order of things Avhich
Thou Thyself hast estabhshed. and to keep in abiding peace
those whom Thou hast joined together in lawful bond.
Devotions for Confession
Before giving his blessing to the people, the priest again
turns to the bridegroom and bride, and blesses them in
particular, saying :
I^TX AY the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God
.Vl^ of Jacob, be with you : and may He fulfil his blessing
in you : that you may see your children's children to the
third and fourth generation : and afterward enter into the
possession of eternal life, by the help of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth
and reigneth God, world without end. Amen.
Then the priest may exhort them to observe an inviolable
fidelity toward each other ; and to persevere in the fear and
love of God. He sprinkles them with holy water, and
concludes the Mass as usual.
Bevotions for Confession
ISefore Confesston
TK> EFLECT that this confession may be the last of
<-"-\> your life. Therefore, prepare yourself for it
as if you were lying sick upon your deathbed, and al-
ready at the brink of the grave. Ask God to give you
the grace to make a good examination of conscience,
the light to see your sins clearly, and the strength to
m.ake a sincere confession and to amend your life.
Prayer
OST merciful God, Father in heaven, rely-
ing on Thy goodness and mercy, I come
to Thee with filial confidence to confess my
sins and to implore Thy forgiveness. Thou
wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart.
Devotions for Confession
383
Bless me and receive me again into Thy favor ;
I acknowledge that I have been most ungrate-
ful to Thee, but I sincerely repent and detest
the wrong I have done, and I desire hence-
forth to walk in the way of perfection in
accordance with Thy holy will.
0 Jesus, my Saviour, my good Shepherd, I
have strayed far from the path that Thou
hast marked out for me ; I did not follow in
Thy footsteps ; I wandered into forbidden
places. Repentant and sorrowful, I beg to be
admitted again into the fold of Thy faithful
followers. I want to confess my sins with the
same sincerity as I should wish to do at the
moment of my death. My Jesus, I look to
Thee with confidence for the grace to examine
my conscience well.
O Holy Spirit, come in Thy mercy; en-
lighten my mind and strengthen my will that
I may know my sins, humbly confess them,
and sincerely amend my life.
Mary, my Mother, immaculate spouse of
the Holy Ghost, refuge of sinners, assist me
by thy intercession.
Holy angels and saints of God, pray for me.
Amen,
3^4
Devotions for Confession
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
BEGIN by examining yourself on your last confes-
sion : Whether a grievous sin was forgotten
through want of proper examination, or concealed
or disguised through shame. Whether you confessed
v/ithout a true sorrow and a firm purpose of amend-
ment. Whether you have repaired evil done to your
neighbor. Whether the penance was performed with-
out voluntary distractions. Whether you have neg-
lected your confessor's counsel, and fallen at once
into habitual sins.
Then examine yourself on the Ten Commandments ;
the Commandments of the Church ; the Seven Capital
Sins ; the duties of your state of life ; and your ruling
passion. Calmly recall the different occasions of sin
which have fallen in your way, or to which your state
and condition in life expose you ; the places you have
frequented; the persons with whom_ you have asso-
ciated. Do not neglect to consider the circumstances
which alter the grievousness of the sin, nor the vari-
ous ways in which we become accessory to the sins
of others.
The Ten Commandments of God
I. ^T* AM the Lord, thy God, Who brought thee out
^ of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of
bondage. Thou shaft not have strange gods before
Me. Thou shaft not make to thyself a graven thing,
nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,
or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in
the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not adore
them, nor serve them.
Devotions for Confession
38s
2. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy
God m vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless
that shall take the name of the Lord his God in vain.
3 . Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
4. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou
mayest be long-lived upon the land which the Lord
thy God will give thee.
5. Thou shalt not kill.
6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
7. Thou shalt not steal.
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbor.
9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
The Six Com:vIand:vIents of the Church
1. ^^^o HEAR Mass on Sundays, and holy days of
obligation.
2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
3. To confess at least once a year.
4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter
time.
5. To contribute to the support of our pastors.
6. Not to marry persons who are not Catholics, or
who are related to us within the fourth degree of kin-
dred, nor privately without witnesses, nor to solemnize
marriage at forbidden times.
The Seven Deadly Sins, and the Opposite
Virtues
1. Pride
2. Covetousness
3. Lust
Humility.
Liberality.
Chastity.
386
Devotions for Confession
4. iVnger
5. Gluttony
Meekness.
Temperance.
Brotherly love.
Diligence.
6. Envy
7. Sloth
The Four Sins which Cry to Heaven for
Vengeance
I. Wilful murder. 2. The sin of Sodom. 3.
Oppression of the poor. 4. Defrauding the laborer
of his wages.
Nine Ways of being Accessory to Another's Sin
I. By counsel. 2. By command. 3. By con-
sent. 4. By provocation. 5. By praise or flattery.
6. By concealment. 7. By partaking. 8. By silence.
9. By defense of the ill done.
The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy
I. To admonish sinners. 2. To instruct the ig-
norant. 3. To counsel the doubtful. 4. To com-
fort the sorrowful. 5. To bear wrongs patiently. 6.
To forgive all injuries. 7. To pray for the living and
the dead.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
I. To feed the hungry. 2. To give drink to the
thirsty. 3. To clothe the naked. 4. To visit and
ransom the captives. 5. To harbor the harborless,
6. To visit the sick. 7. To bury the dead.
Devotions for Confession
387
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
J'TTT'hen did you make your last confession ?
Did you take sufficient pains to awaken contri-
tion ?
Did you omit to confess a mortal sin, either in-
tentionally or through forgetfulness ?
Did you intentionally neglect to say the penance
which was imposed on you, or were you so careless as
to forget it ?
Have you carried out the resolutions you made at
your last confession or have you paid no heed at all
to them ?
Examination on the Ten Commandments of God
I. "Tp^AVE you doubted in matters of faith?
r*-^ Murmured against God at your adversity
or at the prosperity of others? Despaired of His
mercy ?
Have you believed in fortune-tellers or consulted
them ?
Have you gone to places of worship belonging to
other denominations ?
Have you recommended yourself daily to God ?
Neglected your morning or night prayers ? Omitted
religious duties or practices through motives of hu-
man respect ?
Have you rashly presumed upon God's forbearance
in order to commit sin ?
Have you read books, papers, and periodicals of
anti-Catholic or atheistic tendency? Made use of
superstitious practices ? Spoken with levity or irrev-
erence of priests, Religious, or sacred objects ?
388
Devotions for Confession
II. Have you taken the name of God in vain?
Profaned anything relating to religion ?
Have you sworn falsely, rashly, or in slight and
trivial matters? Cursed yourself or others, or any
creature ? Angered others so as to make them swear,
or blaspheme God ?
III. Have you kept holy the Lord's Day, and all
other days commanded to be kept holy ? Bought or
sold things, not of necessity, on that day ? Done or
commanded some servile work not of necessity?
Missed Mass or been wilfully distracted during Mass ?
Talked, gazed, or laughed in the church ? Profaned
the day by dancing, drinking, ganjbling, • or in other
ways ?
IV. Have you honored your parental superiors, and
masters, according to your just duty? Deceived
them ? Disobeyed them ?
Have you failed in due reverence to aged persons ?
V. Have you procured, desired, or hastened the
death of any one ? Borne hatred ? Oppressed any
one ? Desired revenge ? Not forgiven injuries ?
Refused to speak to others ? Used provoking lan-
guage? Injured others? Caused enmity between
others ?
VI and IX. Have you been guilty of any sin
against holy purity in thought, word, or deed?
VII. Have you been guilty of stealing, or of deceit
in buying, or selling, in regard to wares, prices,
weights, or measures ? Have you wilfully damaged
another man's goods, or negligently spoiled them ?
VIII. Have you borne false witness ? Called
injurious names ? Disclosed another's sins ? Flat-
tered others ? Judged rashly ?
X. Have you coveted unjustly anything that be-
longs to another ?
Devotions for Confession
389
Examination on the Precepts of the Church
AVE you gone to confession at least once a year ?
Received holy communion during Easter time ?
Have you violated the fasts of the Church, or eaten
flesh meat on prohibited days ?
Have you sinned against any other commandment
of the Church ?
Examine yourself also in regard to the Seven Capi-
tal Sins and the nine ways of being accessory to an-
other's sin.
^fter tije Eiatninatton
AVIXG discovered the sins of which you have been
r-*-G guilty, together with their number, enormity, or
such circumstances as may change their nature, you
should endeavor to excite in yourself a heartfelt sor-
row for having committed them, and a sincere de-
testation of them. This being the most essential of all
the dispositions requisite for a good confession, with
what humility, fervor, and perseverance should you
not importune Him WTio holds the hearts of men in
His hands to grant it to you !
CONSIDERATIONS TO EXCITE IN OUR HEART TRUE
CONTRITION FOR OUR SINS
aONSiDER ^\Tio He is, and how good and gracious He
is to you, WTiom you have so often and so deeply
offended by these sins. He made you — He made you
for Himself, to know, love, and serve Him, and to be
happy with Him forever. He redeemed you by His
blood. He has borne with you and waited for you
so long. He it is Who has called you and moved you
390
Devotions for Confession
to repentance. Why have you thus sinned against
Him ? Why have you been so ungrateful ? What
more could He do for you? Oh, be ashamed, and
mourn, and despise yourself, because you have sinned
against your Maker and your Redeemer, Whom you
ought to love above all things !
Consider the consequences of even one mortal sin.
By it you lose the grace of God. You destroy peace
of conscience ; you forfeit the felicity of heaven, for
which you were created and redeemed ; and you pre-
pare for yourself eternal punishment. If we grieve
for the loss of temporal and earthly things, how much
more should we grieve for having deliberately exposed
ourselves to the loss of those which are' eternal and
heavenly !
Consider how great is the love of God for you, if,
only from this, that He hath so long waited for you
and spared you, when He might have so justly cast
you into hell. Behold Him fastened to the cross for
love of you! Behold Him pouring forth His precious
blood as a fountain to cleanse you from your sins !
Hear Him saying, ''I thirst," — ''I thirst with
an ardent desire for your salvation ! " Behold Him
stretching out His arms to embrace you, and waiting
until you should come to yourself and turn unto Him,
and throw yourself before Him, and say, '^Father, I
have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am
no more worthy to be called Thy son." Let these
considerations touch your heart with love for Him
Who loves you so much, 3,nd love will beget true con-
trition, most acceptable to God.
Say an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory to
obtain true contrition. Then add the following :
Devotions for Confession
391
INVOCATIONS
0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us
who have recourse to thee !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884.
Holy Virgin, Mary immaculate, Mother of
God and our Mother, speak thou for us to the
Heart of Jesus, Who is thy Son and our
Brother !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 20, 1890.
AN ACT OF CONTRITION
Recite very attentively one of the following acts.
I
TERNAL Father ! I am heartily sorry for
having offended Thee, and I detest all
my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven
and the pains of hell, but most of all because
they displease Thee, my God, Who art all-
good and deserving of all my love. I firmly
resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess
my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
302
Devotio7ts for Confession
II
MY God, I am truly sorry that I have
sinned, because Thou art infinitely good
and sin displeases Thee. I promise not to
offend Thee again. I love Thee above all
things with my whole heart and soul, and I
will endeavor to please Thee in everything.
Ill
God ! infinitely worthy of all love, my
Creator, my Saviour, my Benefactor,
why did I ever offend Thee ? Lord, have
mercy on me. How ungrateful I have been
to Thee, Who art infinitely good ! Father,
forgive me. I love Thee, my God, with my
whole heart and above all things ; I hate sin
because it is offensive to Thy goodness. I
am truly sorry for having offended Thee, and
with Thy help I will shun the occasions of sin
and seek to please Thee in all things.
IV
Qy MY God ! confessing my guilt and with a
contrite heart I kneel before Thee and im-
plore Thee to look down in mercy upon me. I
detest and am heartily sorry for all my sins, not
Devotions for Confession
393
only because I dread the loss of heaven and the
pain of hell, but also and principally because
by them I have offended Thee, Who art in-
finitely good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins and to am.end my life.
I acknowledge Thee, O God, to be the Su-
preme Good, and I love Thee with all my
heart. Be merciful to me, a poor sinner.
I beseech Thee, by the Passion and death of
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, to forgive me my sins.
Amen.
PPROACH the confessional with the same recollect-
edness and reverence as would fill your heart if
Christ our Lord were seated there in person ready to
hear your confession. The priest is really the repre-
sentative of Christ.
When you kneel down say : Bless me, Father, for I
have sinned, and then begin the Confiteor, proceeding
as far as Through ryiy fault, etc.
THE CONFITEOR
"T* CONFESS to Almighty God, to blessed Mary,
^ ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the arch-
angel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints,
that I have sinned exceedingly in thought,
word, and deed, through my fault, through
my fault, through my most grievous fault. . . ,
394 Devotions for Confession
Then tell when you made your last confession and
begin the avowal of your sins. Confess all your sins
with a contrite and humble heart, and conclude thus :
For these and all the sins of my past life,
especially my sins of {naming certain sins) I
am heartily sorry, beg pardon of God, and
absolution of you, my Father ; then finish the
Confiteor.
. . . Therefore, I beseech the blessed
Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the arch-
angel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy
apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
*T liSTEN then with humility and docility to the
« ' ^ instruction of your confessor, and during this
time avoid all recurrence to the confession itself;
remembering that sins forgotten after a serious ex-
amination are really comprised in the absolution. Ac-
cept with submission the penance imposed, and if any
obstacle that you foresee will prevent your accom-
plishing it, state this respectfully.
While the priest pronounces the words of absolution
endeavor to excite an act of perfect contrition.
Should your spiritual Father deem it proper to defer
absolution, acknowledge your unworthiness, and do
not murm.ur. Leave the confessional resolved to use
every effort, by an amendment of life and sincere
repentance, to obtain God's pardon, which His min-
ister will ratify.
Devotions for Confession
395
THANKSGIVING AETER CONFESSION
TERNAL Father ! I thank Thee, I bless
Thee, for Thy goodness and mercy.
Thou hast had compassion on me, although
in my folly I had wandered far away from
Thee and offended Thee most grievously.
With fatherly love Thou hast received me
anew after so many relapses into sin and
forgiven me my offenses through the holy
sacrament of penance. Blessed forever, 0 my
God, be Thy loving kindness. Thy infinite
mercy ! Never again will I grieve Thee by
ingratitude, by disobedience to Thy holy will;
henceforth my watchword shall be : Omnia
ad major em Dei gloriam!^^ "All for the
greater glory of God ! "
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
1 Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX,
May 7, 1854.
r\ DIVINE Spirit ! penetrate my soul with
true horror and loathing of sin. Grant
' that I may be more exact in the fulfilment of
• all my duties, and strengthen me by Thy grace,
f that I may not again yield to temptation.
396
Devotions for Confession
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Indulgence of 300 days,' each time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 30, 1852.
Mary, our hope, have pity on us !
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 8, 1906.
In conclusion, reflect on the following verses from
the Psalms :
*T3lessed are they whose iniquities are for-
'"^^^ given, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way ; who
walk in the law of the Lord.
I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O
Lord : I will seek Thy justifications.
I cried unto Thee, save me : that I may keep
Thy commandments.
I will praise Thee, because Thou hast heard
me, and art become my salvation.
0 praise the Lord, for He is good and His
mercy endureth forever.
The Lord is my helper ; I will not fear what
man can do unto me.
1 will please the Lord in the land of the
living.
The perils of hell have found me : 0 Lord,
deliver my soul.
I have acknowledged my sin unto Thee^
and mine iniquity I have not concealed.
Devotions for Confession
397
I said, I will confess against myself mine in-
iquity with the Lord, and Thou hast forgiven
the wickedness of my sin.
Thou art my refuge from the trouble which
hath encompassed me ; my joy. Deliver me
from them that surround me.
*'K>LESS the Lord, O my soul, and let all that
"^"^ is within me bless His holy name. Bless
the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He
hath done for thee.
Who forgiveth all thy iniquities ; Who
healeth all thy diseases.
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ;
Who crowneth thee with mercy and compas-
sion.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful ;
long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always be angry ; nor will He
threaten forever.
He hath not dealt with us according to our
sins ; nor rewarded us according to our iniq-
uities.
As far as the east is from the west, so
far hath He removed our iniquities from
us.
As a father hath compassion on his chil-
dren, so hath the Lord compassion on them
that fear Him.
398
The Seven Penitential Psalms
For He knoweth our frame ; He remem-
bereth that we are dust.
Bless the Lord, all ye His angels ; bless the
Lord all ye His hosts.
Bless the Lord all His works; in every
place of His dominion, 0 my soul, bless thou
the Lord.
Ube Sepen pemtential psalms
Ant. Ne reminiscaris, Ant. Remember not, O
delicta nostra, Domine, Lord, our offenses, nor
vel parentum nostrorum, those of our parents;
neque vindictam sumas and take not revenge
de peccatis nostris. of our sins.
^Isalm FC* Bomme, ite in JFurore
Verse i. David, in deep affliction, prays for a miti-
gation of the divine anger. 4. In consideration of
God's mercy. 5. His glory. 6. His own repentance.
8. By faith he triumphs over his enemies.
1. *T^OMiNE, ne in i. Lord, rebuke me
r-L/ furore Tuo ar- not in Thine in-
guas me, neque in ira Tua dignation : nor chastise
corripias me. me in Thy wrath.
2. Miserere mei, Do- 2. Have mercy upon
mine, quoniam infirmus me, O Lord, for I am
sum : Sana me, Domine, weak : heal me, O
quoniam conturbata sunt Lord, for my bones are
ossa mea. troubled.
The Seven Penitential Psalms 399
3. Et anima mea tur-
bata est valde ; sed Tu,
Domine, usquequo ?
4. Convertere, Domi-
ne, et eripe animam meam ;
salvum me fac propter
misericordiam tuam.
5. Quoniam non est
in morte qui memor sit
Tui ; in inferno autem
quis confitebitur Tibi?
6. Laboravi in gemitu
meo ; lavabo per singulas
noctes lectum meum : lac-
rymis meis stratum meum
rigabo.
7. Turbatus est a fu-
rore meus ; inveteravi
inter omnes inimicos
meos.
8. Discedite a me om-
nes qui operamini ini-
quitatem, quoniam ex-
audivit Dominus vocem
fletus mei.
9. Exaudivit Dominus
deprecationem meam ;
Dominus orationem meam
suscepit.
10. Erubescant, et con-
turbentur vehem^enter om-
nes inimici mei ; conver-
tantur, et erubescant
valde velociter.
Gloria, etc.
3. My soul also is
troubled exceedingly : but
Thou, 0 Lord, how long ?
4. Turn Thee, 0 Lord,
and deliver my soul : O
save me for Thy mercy's
sake.
5. For in death there
is no one that remember-
eth Thee : and who shall
give Thee thanks in hell ?
6. I have labored in
my groanings : every
night will I wash my bed,
and water my couch with
my tears.
7. Mine eye is trou-
bled through indignation :
I have grown old among
all mine enemies.
8. Depart from me,
all ye that work iniquity :
for the Lord hath heard
the voice of my weep-
ing.
9. The Lord hath
heard my supplication :
the Lord hath received
my prayer.
10. Let all mine ene-
mies be ashamed and sore
vexed : let them be turned
back, and be ashamed
very speedily.
Glory, etc.
400 The Seven Penitential Psalms
2. Psalm Hl'M. JSeati Quorum
I. The blessedness of those whose sins are for-
given. 3. The misery of impenitence. 6. Confes-
sion of sin brings ease. 8. Safety. 14. Joy.
\ EATI quorum
remissse sunt
iniquitates, et quorum
tecta sunt peccata.
2. Beatus vir cui non
imputavit Dominus pec-
catum, nec est in spiritu
ejus dolus.
3. Quoniam tacui, in-
veteraverunt ossa mea,
dum clamarem tota die.
4. Quoniam die ac
nocte gravata est super
me manus Tua, conversus
sum in aerumna mea, dum
configitur spina.
5. DeHctum meum
cognitum Tibi feci, et in-
justitiam meam non ab-
scondi.
6. Dixi : Confitebor
adversum me injustitiam
meam Domino et Tu re-
misisti impietatem pec-
cati mei.
7. Pro hac orabit ad
Te omnis sanctus in tem-
pore opportuno.
B
BLESSED are
they v/hose
iniquities are forgiven :
and whose sins are covered.
2. Blessed is the man
to whom the Lord hath not
imputed sin : and in whose
spirit there is no guile.
3. Because I was si-
lent, my bones grew old :
while I cried aloud all the ,
day long.
4. For day and night
Thy hand was heavy upon
me : I turned in my an-
guish, while the thorn was
fastened in m_e.
5. I acknowledged my
sin unto Thee : and my
injustice have I not con-
cealed.
6. I said I will confess
against myself my injus-
tice to the Lord : and
Thou forgavest the wick-
edness of my sin.
7. For this shall every
one that is holy pray unto
Thee : in seasonable time.
The Seven Penitential Psalms
401
8. Verumtamen in
diluvio aquamm multa-
rum, ad eum non approx-
imabunt.
9. Tu es refugium me-
um a tribulatione quae cir-
cumdedit me exultatio
mea, erue me a circum-
dantibus me.
10. Intellectum tibi
dabo, et instruam te in
via hac qua gradieris ;
firmabo super te oculos
meos.
11. Nolite fieri sicut
equus et mulus, quibus
non est intellectus.
12. In camo et freno
maxiilas eorum constringe,
qui non approximant ad
te.
13. Multa flagella pec-
catoris ; sperantem autem
in Domino misericordia
circumdabit.
14. Laetamini in Do-
mino, et exultate, justi ;
et gloriamini, omnes recti
corde.
Gloria, etc.
8. But in the flood
of many waters : they
shall not come nigh unto
him.
9. Thou art my refuge
from the trouble "which
hath surrounded me : my
joy, deliver me from them
that compass me about.
10. I will give thee un-
derstanding, and will in-
struct thee in the way
wherein thou shalt go :
I will fix Mine eyes upon
thee.
11. Be ye not like unto
horse and mule, which
have no understanding.
12. With bit and bridle
bind fast the jaws of those
who come not nigh unto
thee.
13. ]\Iany are the
scourges of the sinner :
but mercy shall compass
him about that hopeth
in the Lord.
14. Be glad, 0 ye just,
and rejoice in the Lord;
and glory all ye that are
right of heart.
Glory, etc.
402 The Seven Penitential Psalms
3* IPsalm imiBM. IBomtne, ne tn JFurare
I. David's extreme anguish. 15. He hopes in God.
18. His resignation and grief. 22. Prayer.
1. ^r^OMiNE, ne m
furore Tua
arguas me, neque in ira
Tua corripias me.
2. Quoniam sagittae
Tuae infixae sunt mihi,
et confirmasti super me
manum Tuam.
3. Non est sanitas in
carne mea, a facie irae
Tuae ; non est pax os-
sibus meis, a facie pec-
catorum meorum.
4. Quoniam iniquitates
meae supergressae sunt
caput meum, et sicut onus
grave gravatae sunt super
me.
5. Putruerunt et cor-
ruptac sunt cicatrices meae,
a facie insipientiae meae.
6. Miser factus sum et
curvatus sum usque in
finem ; tota die contrista-
tus ingrediebar.
7. Quoniam lumbi mei
impleti sunt illusionibus ;
et non est sanitas in carne
mea.
1. LORD, rebuke
me not in Tliine
indignation : nor chastise
me in Thy wrath.
2. For Thine arrows
stick fast in me : and
Thou hast laid Thy hand
heavily upon me.
3. There is no health in
my flesh because of Thy
wrath : there is no rest in
my bones because of my
sins.
4. For my iniquities are
gone over my head : and,
like a heavy burden, press
sorely upon me.
5. My wounds have
putrefied and are corrupt ;
because of my foolishness.
6. I am become mis-
erable and am bowed
down even to the end : I
go sorrowfully all the day
long.
7. For my loins are
filled with illusions : and
there is no soundness in
my flesh.
The Seven Penitential Psalms
403
8. Afflictussum, et hu-
miliatus sum nimis; ru-
giebam a gemitu cordis
mei.
9. Domine, ante Te
omne desiderium meum,
et gemitus meus a Te non
est absconditus.
10. Cor meum contur-
batum est, dereliquit
me virtus mea, et lumen
oculorum meorum, et ip-
sum non est mecum.
11. Amici mei et prox-
imi mei adversum me ap-
proprinquaverunt, et stet-
erunt.
12. Et qui juxta me
erant, de longe steterunt,
et vim faciebant qui quae-
rebant animam meam.
13. Et qui inquirebant
mala mihi, locuti sunt
vanitates, et dolos tota
die meditabantur.
14. Ego autem, tan-
quam surdus, non audie-
bam ; et sicut mutus non
aperiens os suum.
15. Et f actus sum sicut
homo non audiens, et non
habens in ore suo redargu-
tiones.
8. I am afflicted and
humbled exceedingly : I
have roared for the groan-
ing of my heart.
9. Lord, all my desire
is before Thee : and my
groaning is not hidden
from Thee.
10. My heart is trou-
bled, my strength hath
failed me : the very light
of mine eyes is gone from
me.
11. My friends and my
neighbors drew near, and
stood up against me.
12. They that were
once nigh me stood afar
off : and they that sought
after my soul did violence
against me.
13. And they that
sought to do me evil
talked vanities : and im-
agined deceits all the day
long.
14. But I, as a deaf
man, heard not : and as
one that is dumb, who
openeth not his mouth.
15. I became as a man
that heareth not : and
that hath no reproofs in
his mouth.
404 The Seven Penitential Psalms
16. Quoniam in Te, Do-
mine, speravi ; Tu exau-
dies me, Domine Deus
mens.
17. Quia dixi: Ne-
quando supergaudeant
mihi inimici mei ; et dum
commoventur pedes mei,
super me magna locuti
sunt.
18. Quoniam ego in
flagella paratus sum, et
dolor meus in conspectu
meo semper.
19. Quoniam iniquita-
tem meam annuntiabo, et
cogitabo pro peccato meo.
20. Inimici autem mei
vivunt, et confirmati sunt
super me : et multiplicati
sunt qui oderunt me in-
ique.
21. Qui retribuunt
mala pro bonis, detrahe-
bant mihi, quoniam seque-
bar bonitatem.
22. Ne derelinquas me,
Domine Deus meus ; ne
discesseris a me.
23. Intende in adju-
torium meum, Domine,
Deus salutis meae.
Gloria, etc.
16. For in Thee, O
Lord, have I hoped : Thou
wilt hear me, O Lord my
God.
17. For I said. Let not
mine enemies at any time
triumph over me : and
when my feet slip, they
have spoken great things
against me.
18. For I am prepared
for scourges ; and my
sorrow is always before
me.
19. For I will confess
mine iniquity: and will
think upon my sin.
20. But mine enemies
live, and are strengthened
against me: and they that
hate me wrongfully are
multiplied.
21. They that render
evil for good spake against
me, because I followed
goodness.
22. Forsake me not, O
Lord my God: go not
Thou far from me.
23. Haste Thee to my
help, O Lord God of my
salvation.
Glory, etc.
The Seven Penitential Psalms
405
4. Psalm IL» fHiserm
I. David prays for the remission of his sins ; 8. for
perfect sanctity. 17. Sacrifice without contrition
will not pardon sin. 19. David prays for the exal-
tation of the Church.
1. /T|iSERERE mei i. ave mercy upon
Deus : secun- r-^b me, O God;
dum magnam misericor- according to Thy great
diam Tuam. mercy.
2. Et secundum multi- 2. And according to the
tudinem miserationum multitude of Thy tender
Tuarum : dele iniquitatem mercies : blot out my in-
meam. iquity.
3. Amplius lava me ab 3. Wash me yet more
iniquitate mea : et a pec- from my iniquity: and
cato meo munda me. cleanse me from my sin.
4. Quoniam, iniquita- 4. For I acknowledge
tem meam ego cognosco : my iniquity : and my
et peccatum meum con- sin is always before
tra me est semper. me.
5. Tibi soli peccavi, 5. Against Thee only
et malum coram Te have I sinned, and done
feci : ut justificeris evil in Thy sight : that
in sermonibus Tuis, Thou mayest be justified
et vincas cum judi- in Thy words, and mayest
caris. overcome when Thou art
judged.
6. Ecce enim in iniqui- 6. For behold, I was
tatibus conceptus sum : conceived in iniquities :
et in peccatis concepit me and in sins did my mother
mater mea. conceive me.
7. Ecce enim verita- 7. For behold. Thou
tem dilexisti : incerta hast loved truth : the un-
4o6 The Seven Penitential Psalms
et occulta sapientiae
Tuae manifestasti mihi.
8. Asperges me hys-
sopo, et mundabor :
lavabis me, et su-
per nivem dealbabor.
9. Auditui meo dabis
gaudium et laetitiam :
et exultabunt ossa humili-
ata.
10. Averte faciam Tu-
am a peccatis meis: et
omnes iniquitates meas
dele.
11. Cor mundum crea
in me, Deus : et spiritum
rectum innova in visceri-
bus meis.
12. Ne projicias me a
facie Tua : et Spiritum
sanctum Tuum ne auferas
a me.
13. Redde mihi laetiti-
am salutaris Tui : et spi-
ritu principali confirma
me.
14. Docebo iniquos
vias Tuas: et im-
pii ad Te converten-
tur.
15. Libera me de san-
guinibus, Deus, Deus sa-
lutis meae : et exultabit
certain and hidden things
of Thy wisdom Thou hast
made manifest unto me.
8. Thou shalt sprinkle
me with hyssop, and I
shall be cleansed: Thou
shalt wash me, and I shall
be made whiter than snow.
9. Thou shalt make me
hear of joy and gladness :
and the bones that were
humbled shall rejoice.
10. Turn away Thy
face from my sins and
blot out all my iniquities.
11. Create in me a
clean heart, O God : and
renew a right spirit within
my bosom.
12. Cast me not away
from Thy presence : and
take not Thy holy Spirit
from me.
13. Restore unto me
the joy of Thy salvation :
and strengthen me with a
perfect spirit.
14. I will teach the un-
just Thy ways: and the
wicked shall be converted
unto Thee.
15. Deliver me from
blood-guiltiness, O God,
Thou God of my salva-
The Seven Penitential Psalms
407
lingua mea justitiam
Tuam.
16. Domine, labia mea
aperies : et os meum
annuntiabit 1 a u d e m
Tuam.
17. Quoniam si vo-
luisses sacrificium, de-
dissem utique : holo-
caustis non delecta-
beris.
18. Sacrificium Deo
spiritus contribulatus : cor
contritum et humiliatum,
Deus non despicies.
19. Benigne fac, Do-
mine, in bona voluntate
Tua Sion : ut aedificentur
muri Jerusalem.
20. Tunc acceptabis
sacrificium justitiae, obla-
tiones, et holocausta :
tunc imponent super al-
tare Tuum vitulos.
Gloria, etc.
tion : and my tongue shall
extol Thy justice.
16. Thou shalt open
my lips, O Lord : and my
mouth shall declare Thy
praise.
17. For if Thou hadst
desired sacrifice, I would
surely have given it : with
burnt offerings Thou wilt
not be delighted.
18. A sacrifice to God
is an afflicted spirit: a con-
trite and humble heart, O
God, Thou wilt not de-
spise.
19. Deal favorably, O
Lord, in Thy good-will
with Sion : that the walls
of Jerusalem may be built
up.
20. Then shalt Thou
accept the sacrifice of jus-
tice, oblations, and whole
burnt offerings : then shall
they lay calves upon
Thine altar.
Glory, etc.
5- i3salm ^l. Qomme, !£iautft
I. The extreme affiiction of the Psalmist. 12.
The mercy of God. 19. To be recorded and praised
by future generations. 26. The unchangeableness
of God.
4o8 The Seven Penitential Psalms
1. *-r^OMiNE, exaudi
JLJ orationem
meam, et clamor meus ad
Te veniat.
2. Non avertas faciem
Tuam a me; in quacum-
que die tribulor, inclina
ad me aurem tuam.
3. In quacumque die
invocavero Te, velociter
exaudi me.
4. Quia defecerunt si-
cut fumus dies mei, et ossa
mea sicut cremium arue-
runt.
5. Percussus sum ut
fcenum, et aruit cor meum,
quia oblitus sum comedere
panem meum.
6. A voce gemitus mei
adhaesit os meum carni
meae.
7. Similis f actus sum
pellicano solitudinis; fac-
tus sum nycticorax in do-
micilio,
8. Vigilavi, et f actus
sum sicut passer soli-
tarius in tecto.
9. Tota die exprobra-
bant mihi inimici mei, et
qui laudabant me adver-
sum me jurabant.
1. LORD, hear my
prayer: and let
my cry come unto Thee.
2. Turn not away Thy
face from me : in the day
when I am in trouble, in-
cline Thine ear unto me.
3. In what day soever I
shall call upon Thee : oh,
hearken unto me speedily.
4. For my days are
vanished like smoke : and
my bones are dried up
like fuel for the fire.
5. I am smitten as
grass, and my heart is
withered : for I have for-
gotten to eat my bread.
6. Through the voice
of my groaning : my bones
have cleaved to my flesh.
7. I am become like a
pelican in the wilderness :
and like a night-raven in
the house.
8. I have watched :
and am become like a
sparrow that sitteth alone
on the housetop.
9. Mine enemies re-
viled me all the day long :
and they that praised me
have sworn together
against me.
The Seven Penitential Psalms 409
10. Quia cinerem tam-
quam panem manduca-
bam, et potum meum cum
fletu miscebam.
11. A facie irae et in-
dignationis Tuae, quia ele-
vans allisisti me.
12. Dies mei sicut um-
bra declinaverunt, et ego
sicut foenum ami.
13. Tu autem, Domine,
in aeternum permanes, et
memoriale Tuum in gene-
rationem et generationem.
14. Tu exurgens mis-
ereberis Sion, quia tem-
pus miserendi ejus, quia
venit tempus.
15. Quoniam placue-
runt servis Tuis lapides
ejus, et terrae ejus misere-
buntur.
16. Et timebunt gentes
nomen Tuum, Domine, et
omnes reges terrae gloriam
Tuam.
1 7 . Quia aedificavit Do-
minus Sion, et videbitur
in gloria Sua.
18. Respexit in ora-
tionem humilium, et
10. For I have eaten
ashes as it were bread ;
and mingled my drink
with weeping.
11. Because of Thine
indignation and wrath :
for Thou hast lifted me up
and cast me down.
12. My days are gone
down like a shadow : and
I am withered like grass.
13. But Thou, 0 Lord,
endurest forever : and
Thy memorial to all gen-
erations.
14. Thou shalt arise
and have mercy upon
Sion : for it is time that
Thou have mercy upon
her, yea, the time is
come.
15. For Thy servants
delighted in her stones :
and they shall have com-
passion on the earth
thereof.
16. The Gentiles shall
fear Thy name, 0 Lord :
and all the kings of the
earth Thy glory.
17. For the Lord hath
built up Sion : and He
shall be seen in His glory.
18. He hath had regard
unto the prayer of the
4IO The Seven Penitential Psalms
non sprevit precem eo-
rum.
19. Scribantur haec in
generatione altera, et po-
pulus qui creabitur lauda-
bit Dominum.
20. Quia prospexit de
excelso sancto Suo, Do-
minus de caelo in terram
aspexit.
21. Ut audiret gemi-
tus compeditorum, ut
solveret filios interempto-
rum.
22. Ut annuntient in
Sion nomen Domini,
et laudem ejus in Jerusa-
lem.
23. In conveniendo po-
pulos in unum, et reges ut
Servian t Domino.
24. Respondit ei in via
virtu tis suae : Paucitatem
dierum meorum nuntia
mihi.
25. Ne re voces me in
dimidio dierum eorum ;
in generationem et genera-
tionem anni Tui.
26. Initio Tu, Domine,
terram fundasti ; et opera
manuum Tuarum sunt
coeli.
lowly : and hath not de-
spised their petition.
19. Let these things be
written for another gen-
eration : and the people
that shall be created shall
praise the Lord.
20. For He hath looked
down from His high, holy-
place; from heaven hath
the Lord looked upon the
earth.
2 1 . That • He might
hear the groaning of them
that are in fetters : that
He might deliver the chil-
dren of the plain.
22. That they may de-
clare the name of the Lord
in Sion : and His praise in
Jerusalem.
23. When the people
assembled together: and
kings to serve the Lord.
24. He answered him
in the way of his strength :
Declare unto me the few-
ness of my days.
25. Call me not away
in the midst of my days :
Thy years are unto gen-
eration and generation.
26. In the beginning, O
Lord, Thou foundedst the
earth : and the heavens
are the work of Thy hands.
The Seven Penitential Psalms 411
27. Ipsi peribunt, Tu
autem permanes ; et om-
nes sicut vestimentum
veterascent.
28. Et sicut opertorium
mutabis eos, et muta-
buntur; Tu autem idem
ipse es, et anni Tui non
deficient.
29. Filii servorum tuo-
rum habitabunt ; et
semen eorum in saeculum
dirigetur.
Gloria, etc.
27. They shall perish,
but Thou endurest : and
they all shall grow old as a
garment.
28. And as a vesture
shalt Thou change them,
and they shall be changed ;
but Thou art the same,
and Thy years shall not
fail.
29. The children of
Thy servants shall con-
tinue ; and their seed be
directed forever.
Glory, etc.
6. iisaim cm:
The just, afflicted by h
mercy.
1. 'T^e profundis
r-L/ clamavi ad
Te, Domine : Domine, ex-
audi vocem meam.
2. Fiant aures Tuae in-
tendentes in vocem de-
precationis meae.
3. Si iniquitates obser-
vaveris, Domine : Do-
mine, quis sustinebit ?
4. Quia apud Te pro-
pitiatio est : et propter
legem Tuam sustinui Te,
Domine.
s sins, implores the divine
1. (^"L'T of the depths
have I cried
unto Thee, O Lord : Lord,
hear my voice.
2. Let Thine ears be
attentive to the voice of
my supplication.
3. If Thou, 0 Lord,
wilt mark iniquities :
Lord, who shall abide it?
4. For with Thee there
is merciful forgiveness :
and because of Thy law I
have vraited for Thee, 0
Lord.
412 The Seven Penitential Psalms
5. Sustinuit anima mea
in verbo ejus : speravit
anima mea in Domino.
6. A custodia matutina
usque ad noctem : speret
Israel in Domino.
7. Quia apud Domi-
num misericordia : et
copiosa apud eum re-
demptio.
8. Et ipse redimet
Israel, ex omnibus ini-
quitatibus ejus.
Gloria, etc.
5. My soul hath waited
on His word : my soul
hath hoped in the Lord.
6. From the morning
watch even until night let
Israel hope in the Lord.
7. For with the Lord
there is mercy ; and with
Him is plenteous redemp-
tion.
8. And He shall redeem
Israel from all his iniq-
uities.
Glory, etc.
7. Psalm ^mM. iBomme, lExautit
I. David prays for favor in judgment. 3. He
represents his distress. He prays for grace ; 9. for
deliverance; 10. for sane tification; 12. for victory
over his enemies.
NOMINE, exaudi
orationem me-
am ; auribus percipe ob-
secrationem meam in veri-
tate Tua ; exaudi me in
Tua justitia.
2. Et non intres in judi-
cium cum servo Tuo, quia
non justificabitur in con-
spectu tuo omnis vivens.
3. Quia persecutus
est inimicus animam
EAR my prayer,
O Lord ; give
ear to my supplication
in Thy truth; hearken
unto me for Thy justice'
sake.
2. And enter not into
judgment with Thy serv-
ant: for in Thy sight
shall no man living be jus-
tified.
3. For the enemy hath
persecuted my soul : he
The Seven Penitential Psalms 413
meam, humiliavit in
terra vitam meam :
collocavit me in ob-
scuris, sicut mortuos
saeculi.
4. Etanxiatus est super
me spiritus meus ; in me
turbatum est cor meum.
5. Memor fui dierum
antiquorum ; meditatus
sum in omnibus operibus
Tuis, in factis manuum
Tuarum meditabar.
6. Expandi manus
meas ad Te ; anima
mea sicut terra sine aqua
Tibi.
7 . Velociter exaudi me ,
Domine ; defecit spiritus
meus.
8. Non avertas faciem
Tuam a me, et similis
ero descendentibus in
lacum.
9. Auditam fac mihi
mane misericordiam Tu-
am, quia in Te speravi.
10. Notam fac mihi
viam in qua ambulem,
quia ad Te levavi ani-
mam meam.
11. Eripe me de ini-
micis meis, Domine, ad
Te confugi.
hath brought my hfe down
unto the ground. He
hath made me to dwell in
darkness, as those that
have been long dead.
4. And my spirit is
vexed within me, my heart
within me is troubled.
5. I remembered the
days of old, I meditated on
all Thy works : I have
mused upon the works of
Thy hands.
6. I have stretched
forth my hands unto
Thee; my soul gaspeth
unto Thee, as a land
where no water is.
7. Hear me speedily,
0 Lord ; my spirit hath
fainted away.
8 . Turn no t away Thy
face from me : lest I be
like unto them that go
down into the pit.
9. ]\Iake me to hear
Thy mercy in the morning :
for in Thee have I hoped.
10. Make me to know
the way wherein I should
walk : for to Thee have I
lifted up my soul.
11. Deliver me from
mine enemies, O Lord ;
unto Thee have I fled.
414 The Seven Penitential Psalms
12. Doce me facere vo-
luntatem tuam, quia Deus
meus es Tu. Spiritus
Tuus bonus deducet me
in terram rectam.
13. Propter nomen
Tuum, Domine, vivifica-
bis me ; in aequitate Tua,
educes de tribulatione ani-
mam meam.
14. Et in misericordia
Tua disperdes inimicos
meos, et perdes omnes
qui tribulant animam
meam, quoniam ego ser-
vus Tuus sum.
Gloria, etc.
Ant, Ne reminiscaris
Domine, delicta nostra
vel parentum nostrorum,
neque vindictam sumas
de peccatis nostris.
Indulgence of 50 days. -
12. Teach me to do
Thy will, for Thou art
my God. Thy good spirit
shall lead me into the right
land.
13. For Thy name's
sake, O Lord, Thou shalt
quicken me in Thy justice.
Thou shalt bring my soul
out of trouble.
14. And in Thy mercy
Thou shalt destroy mine
enemies. Thou shalt de-
stroy all them that afflict
my soul: for I am Thy
servant.
Glory, etc.
Ant. Remember not, O
Lord, our offenses, nor
those of our parents;
and take not revenge
of our sins.
-St. Pius V, April 5, 1571.
Excellent Spiritual Reading
"TpvuRiNG many weeks of extreme languor the Psalms
have never been out of my hands. I was never
wearied of reading over and over those sublime lam-
entations, those flights of hope, those supplications
full of love, which answer to all the wants and all the
miseries of human nature. It is nearly three thou-
sand years since a king composed those songs in his
Devotions for Holy Communion 415
days of repentance and desolation ; and we still find
in them the expression of our deepest anguish, and
the consolation of our sorrows. The priest recites
them daily; thousands of monasteries have been
founded in order that these psalms might be chanted
at every hour, and that this voice of .supplication
might never be silent. The Gospel alone is superior
to the hymns of David, and this only because it is
their fulfilment, because all the yearnings, all the ar-
dors, all the holy impatience of the prophet find their
accompHshment in the Redeemer issued of his race. —
OZANAM.
An excellent daily spiritual reading would be a com-
bination of extracts from Holy Scripture, The Imi-
tation of Christ," by Thomas a Kempis, and " The
Lives of the Saints " (or St. Francis de Sales' ''Devout
Life A very serviceable book for this purpose is
Le Masson's "Spiritual Reading for Every Day,"
edited by Kenelm Digby Best of the Oratory of Saint
Philip Nerir.
BepoUons for t^oVQ Communion
Wc^t Umrable phe lEgtnarti on f^olg (!rotnmuni0n
AViNG received Jesus into your heart at holy commu-
nion, spend some time in simple recollection, without
vocal prayers. Adore Him in silence; sit like Magdalen
in humble, adoring love at His feet; gaze upon Him like
Zaccheus, love Him in mute worship, like ]Mary, His
Mother.
Call Him your King, the Spouse of your soul. Say to
Him: "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." Offer
yourself to Him as His servant, ready to execute His will.
Bind your heart to His footstool, that it may wander no
more, or rather put it under His feet, that He may crush
out its self-love and pride.
4i6 Devotions for Holy Communion
While your soul remains in recollection, in the hushed
calm of His holy presence, do not seek to disturb it. It
is the sleep of the soul upon the breast of Jesus, and this
grace, which strengthens and unites it to Our Lord, will be
more profitable than any other exercise.
The first state having passed, we may then proceed to
acts of thanksgiving, and the exercise of the Four Ends of
Sacrifice may prove useful, viz.
Itioratton, ^l}anftsgttiin5, Reparation, anti ilrager
I. ^J*DORE Jesus upon the throne of your heart, and
^Jr-^ kiss His sacred feet and wounded hands. Rest
upon that Heart which is burning with love for you. Offer
Him the keys of your home, like St. Catherine of Genoa,
with full power to do all."
II. Thank Jesus for having so honored and loved you
as to give you this communion ; to you, so poor and miser-
able, so imperfect and unfaithful. Call upon Mary and
all the saints and angels to thank and praise Jesus for His
wonderful love and excessive goodness.
III. Make reparation to Jesus by expressing your in-
tense sorrow for your sins, and by protestations of love at
His feet with Magdalen. Give Him some proof of your fidel-
ity and gratitude by the sacrifice of some unregulated affec-
tion or the definite resolution to overcome some particular
passion with more persistent energy and perseverance.
Beg of Him the grace never to offend Him more, and
desire to die rather than offend Him by mortal sin.
IV. Petition : Ask what you will ; these are the precious
moments of grace. The Lord is passing ; cry out to Him
for mercy and help. He lingers under your roof. Jesus
is ready to listen to your complaints, and to give you all
that you ask. Beg Him not so much for temporal favors,
but rather that you may become a saint — that you may
be more holy, more spiritual, more perfect, more and more
pleasing to Him. Pray that His kingdom may be extended
and that He may rule all hearts.
Pray for your daily needs.
Devotions for Holy Communion 417
Pray for your relations, your pastors, for the Holy
Father, for the triumph of faith, and the exaltation of the
Church.
For peace upon earth.
For vocations to the priesthood and the perfection and
sanctification of those who have already embraced it.
For the fervor and perseverance of Rehgious.
For fervid and persevering adorers among the laity.
For the spread of the eucharistic kingdom of Christ.
For the conversion of sinners, especially those in whom
you are most interested, or those recommended to your
prayers.
Pray that Jesus may be known, loved, and served by all
men.
Conclude by offering some little flower to Our Lord, by
a practical resolution, or the promise of a particular sacrifice
during the day.
Then say a few vocal prayers for the intention of the
Holy Father, e.g., five Our Fathers and five Hail Marys in
union with the prayer which is to be recited before a cru-
cifix : " Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus " (page
371), in order to obtain a plenary indulgence.
There are many indulgences that we can gain very
easily, and we are too often forgetful of these riches that are
so profitable when applied to the wants of the sufi'ering
souls. The holy souls will thus join in your thanksgiving.
During the day do not forget the royal visit of Jesus, the
King of kings; preserve a remembrance of the morn-
ing's grace, like a vase that has gathered up some precious
perfume, like a soul that has spent one hour of the busy
day in the courts of paradise.
4i8 Devotions for Holy Communion
Uartous lExmms
jpOR the purpose of varying your devotions
"■^^ at communion the following exercises
may be found helpful. These acts and
prayers may be used at times in place of
those which are found in the Mass for com-
munion days. We should not adhere slavishly
to one form of prayers. Learn to converse
with God familiarly. Speak to Him from
your heart with the simplicity of a child,
humbly, contritely, respectfully, lovingly,
hopefully, confidently. Jesus, our dear Lord,
loves us with the love of a Father, Friend, and
Brother.
He is, moreover, our God, all-powerful, able,
and willing to help us in all our needs ; let us
approach Him with confidence, and let us
pray with perseverance.
Before receiving holy communion, direct
your intention, that is, offer to God your Mass
and communion for the glory of His holy name
in thanksgiving for benefits received, in repa-
ration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the
outrages committed against the Blessed Sacra-
ment, in satisfaction for your own sins, and in
humble supplication that you may obtain
new graces and blessings, above all the gift of
final perseverance. Offer to God also some
Devotions for Holy Communion 419
special intention, e.g,^ the conversion of a
friend, the welfare of your family, the relief of
the souls in purgatory. Remember also the
needs of the Holy Father and of the Church.
Resolve to struggle earnestly against your
ruling passion and pray that the spirit of
Christ may dominate all your actions.
Short Acts and Prayers for Holy
Communion
ISefore Jl^olg (fTommunion
ACT OF FAITH
Esus, my Lord, I believe that Thou art
really and substantially present in the
sacred Host. Relying on Thy infallible word,
I believe most firmly that under the appear-
ance of bread I shall receive in holy com-
munion Thy sacred body and Thy precious
I blood. Jesus, my God, I adore Thee, here
! present in the sacrament of Thy love.
ACT OF HOPE
/T\Y Jesus, I hope in Thee because Thou art
infinitely good, almighty, and faithful
to Thy promises. Through Thy mercy,
through Thy Passion and death, I hope to
42 o Devotions for Holy Communion
obtain the pardon of my sins, the grace of final
perseverance, and a happy eternity.
ACT OF CHARITY
Esus, my God, I love Thee with my whole
heart and above all things because Thou
art the one supremely good and infinitely per-
fect Being. My desire is to love Thee more
and my endeavor shall be in all things to please
Thee.
ACT OF CONTRITION
Esus, my Saviour, I appear before Thee as
a poor, miserable sinner. But Thou wilt
not despise a contrite and humble heart. I
am truly sorry for having sinned because Thou
art infinitely good and sin displeases Thee.
ACT OF DESIRE
ESUS, my King, my God, and my all, my
soul longs for Thee, my heart yearns to
receive Thee in holy communion. Come,
Thou Bread of heaven, come, Thou Food of
angels, to nourish my soul and to rejoice my
heart. Come, most amiable Spouse of my
soul, inflame me with such love of Thee that I
may never again displease Thee, never again
be separated from Thee by sin. ^^My soul
Devotions for Holy Communion 421
hath thirsted after the strong Hving God;
when shall I come and apuear before the face
of God?'' (Ps. xH. 2). ^^Thou art the God
of my heart and the God that is my portion
forever'' (Ps. Ixxii. 26).
ACT or HUMILITY
^\ LORD of glory, 0 God of infinite sanctity,
what am I that Thou shoiildst deign to
come to me ! " The heavens are not pure in
Thy sight/' and wilt Thou dwell in my heart ?
^^Lord ! I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
enter under my roof." The consciousness of
my unworthiness would prompt me to ex-
claim, Depart from me, O Lord, for I am
a sinner," but Thy pressing invitation to
approach Thy holy table encourages me and
dispels all my fears. ''Here I am, for Thou
didst call me." Come, then, 0 Jesus, take
possession of a heart that wishes to belong
to Thee. Create a clean heart in me, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me." ''Have
mercy on me, O God, and according to the
multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out
my iniquity" (Ps. 1. 3).
"Lord, I am not worthy that Thou
shouldst enter under my roof ; say but the
word, and my soul shall be healed."
422 Devotions for Holy Communion
When the moment comes to approach the railing,
excite in your heart a new act of contrition while the
Confiteor is recited and the priest pronounces the ab-
solution, in order to merit more and more the remission
of your sins, and obtain a perfect purity to receive
the spotless Lamb.
At the Ecce Agnus Dei and D amine nan sum dignuSj
pour forth your heart in sentiments of humility, love,
joy, adoration, and self-immolation. Having received
the sacred Host, that pledge of your salvation, retire
with respectful modesty, and remain some time in
simple recollection, in silent contemplation. Sit like
Magdalen in humble, adoring love at the feet of Jesus,
gaze upon Him like Zaccheus, love Him in mute wor-
ship like Mary, His blessed Mother. Consecrate
your heart to Jesus and make good resolutions. Then
you may continue your devotions with the help of
your prayer book.
•Efter J^olg (fTommunicin
ACT OF FAITH AND ADORATION
Esus, my Lord and my God, I bless Thee
because Thou hast come to visit me. I
bow down before Thee, now really present
within me, now all mine, truly mine — with
Thy body and blood, soul and divinity. Thou
art the same Jesus Who was born in Bethle-
hem and dwelt in Nazareth ; Who suffered
and died for my salvation ; Who ascended
into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of
God the Father. I believe in Thee, and with
Devotions for Holy Communion 423
all the powers of my soul I adore Thee, in
union with the angels and saints. Thou art
my King; reign Thou alone over my heart
and my whole being. Let me never be
separated from Thee by sin. I wish to serve
Thee faithfully on earth that I may love
and adore Thee, praise and glorify Thee for-
ever in heaven.
ACT OF HOPE
Y JESUS, I trust in Thee, I place all my
hope in Thee, because Thou alone art
my salvation, my strength, my refuge, and the
foundation of all my happiness. ^^The light
of Thy countenance, 0 Lord, is signed upon
I] us : Thou hast given gladness in my heart.
' . . . 0 taste and see that the Lord is sweet :
blessed is the man that hopeth in Him. . . .
In peace, in the selfsame, I will sleep and I will
I rest : for Thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled
I I me in hope" (Ps. xxxiii).
^'In the shadow of Thy wings will I hope,
^ until iniquity pass away" (Ps. Ivi. 2).
ACT OF LOVE
/^OOD Jesus, I love Thee. I love Thee with
my whole heart and above all things.
Thou knowest that I love Thee, but I wish
424 Devotions for Holy Communion
to love Thee daily more and more^ and to do
what is most pleasing to Thee.
My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the
living God. . . . For the sparrow hath
found herself a house and the turtle a nest for
herself. . . . Thy altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God'' (Ps. Ixxxiii. 3, 4).
^^What have I in heaven? And besides
Thee what do I desire upon earth? . . .
Thou art the God of my heart, and the God
that is my portion forever" (Ps. Ixxii. 25, 26) =
ACT or THANKSGIVING
/T\y dear Jesus, I thank Thee with all my
heart for coming to me and nourishing
my soul with Thy sacred body and most
precious blood. I thank Thee for all the
graces and blessings I have ever received
through the merits of Thy sacred Passion and
through the institution of the Most Holy Sac-
rament of the altar. With the help of Thy
grace I will endeavor to manifest my gratitude
to Thee by greater devotion to Thee in the sac-
rament of Thy love, by obedience to Thy holy
commandments, by fidelity to my duties, by
kindness to my neighbor, and by an earnest
endeavor to become more like to Thee in my
daily conduct. Blessed be Thy holy name !
Devotions for Holy Communion 425
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine !
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius VI, May 24, 1776.
ACT OF REPARATION AND CONSECRATION
OST adorable Saviour, in Thy wondrous
love for us Thou hast instituted the
Blessed Sacrament of the Altar as a memorial
of Thy Passion, and therein Thou dost remain
with us in order to be the life-giving Manna
of our souls, the propitiatory Victim for our
sins, our Mediator with Thy heavenly Father,
our Teacher, and our Friend.
I am sorry that I have so often offended
Thee, O God of infinite love and mercy, by
my ingratitude, by my resistance to Thy holy
will, and in particular by my indifference
toward Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love.
In atonement for my own sins, and in repara-
tion for all the offenses committed against
Thee in the Holy Eucharist by others, I offer
Thee my poor heart filled with sentiments of
i sorrow, sincere repentance, and deepest affec-
I tion, and I consecrate to Thee all my works
and sufferings in union with Thy own bitter
Passion, the sorrows of Thy blessed Mother,
and the merits of the martyrs and of all the
426 Devotions for Holy Communion
saints. I place myself entirely in Thy hands :
do with me according to Thy pleasure. With
St. Ignatius I pray: ^'Give me but Thy love
and Thy grace ; more than this I do not ask ; "
and with the seraphic St. Francis I cry to
Thee: ^^My Lord and my God, may the
sweet flame of Thy love destroy in me all
that does not please Thee ; Thou didst yield
Thyself to death for love of me, let me also
die to self for love of Thee
EJACULATION
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed
Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved, with
grateful affection at every moment, in all the
tabernacles of the world, even to the end of
time.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX, Feb. 29, 1868.
PETITIONS
Esus, my Lord, since Thou hast come to
me to grant me graces, bidding me to ask
with confidence, I now pray Thee not for
earthly riches, honors, and transitory pleasures
but for the greatest spiritual treasures, namely
a supernatural horror of sin, and intense sor-
row for past offenses, freedom from inordinate
Devotions for Holy Communion 427
affections, a meek and humble heart Hke
Thine, the most perfect submission and even
abandonment to Thy will, a holy life, and
a happy death. Help me to live daily more
perfectly in accordance with Thy spirit and
with the teachings of the holy Catholic
Church.
Permit me also to ask for some special ^
favors {mention them). O heavenly Father!
Since our dear Lord and Saviour Himself
has said : Amen, amen, I say to you, if you
ask the Father anything in My name. He will
give it you,'^ I beseech Thee, for the love of
Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Who now dwells
within me, and Whose infinite merits I oft'er
up to Thee, do Thou graciously hear my
prayers and grant all my petitions.
COMMEMORATION OF THE LIMNG
r\ LORD, my God I I recommend to Thee :
I. Our Sovereign Pontiff, and all prelates,
bishops, priests, and Religious ; grant them,
O Lord, zeal and the spirit of their state, that
they may sacrifice themselves to the salva-
tion of souls.
2. My relatives, benefactors, friends, and
enemies ; the sick, especially those who are
in the agony of death ! and all the faithful
428
Devotions for Holy Communion
who are in Thy grace ; give them, O Lord,
perseverance and fervor in Thy love.
3. All infidels, heretics, and sinners; give
them light and strength that they may all
know and love Thee.
COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD
'T* RECOMMEND to Thee : I . the souls of my
^ parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies ;
and of those who are in purgatory through
my fault.
2. The souls of priests and of those who
labored for souls.
3. The souls of those who were most devout
to the Passion of Jesus Christ, to the Most
Holy Sacrament, to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, and to His blessed Mother ; the souls
who are the most neglected and forgotten ;
those who are suffering the most ; and those
who are nearest the gates of paradise.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and
let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
EACH me, teach me, dearest Jesus,
In Thine own sweet loving way,
All the lessons of perfection
I must practise day by day.
Devotions for Holy Communion
Teach me Meekness, dearest Jesus,
Of Thine own the counterpart ;
Not in words and actions only,
But the meekness of the heart.
Teach Humility, sweet Jesus,
To this poor, proud heart of mine,
Which yet wishes, O my Jesus,
To be modeled after Thine.
Teach me Fervor, dearest Jesus,
To comply with every grace.
So as never to look backward,
Never slacken in the race.
Teach me Poverty, sweet Jesus,
That my heart may never cling
To whate'er its love might sever
From my Saviour, Spouse, and King,
Teach me Chastity, sweet Jesus,
That my every day may see
Something added to the likeness
That my soul should bear to Thee.
Teach Obedience, dearest Jesus,
Such as was Thy daily food
In Thy toilsome earthly journey
From the cradle to the rood.
Teach Thy Heart, to me, dear Jesus,
Is my fervent, final prayer ;
For all beauties and perfections
Are in full perfection there.
430 Devotions for Holy Communion
Y Saviour! I cheerfully accept all the
painful dispositions in which it is Thy
pleasure to place me. My wish is in all things
to conform myself to Thy holy will. When-
ever I kiss Thy cross, it is to show that I
submit perfectly to mine. — Blessed Mar-
garet Mary.
Jinal l^ragcrs, Ecflcrttons, anti Efsolutions after
Cotnmunton
'X' MUST now beg once more for Thy blessing,
dear Jesus, before my departure from this
holy place, where I have been blessed so
abundantly this morning.
How delicious is the sweetness of this
heavenly Bread, which I have received in
holy communion! How delightful the peace,
how perfect the tranquillity of a soul that
receives Thee after having deplored and
sincerely confessed her offenses! Be blessed
a thousand times, 0 my Jesus ! When I was
a sinner I was miserable ; but now not only
do I enjoy the sweetest tranquillity of soul,
but it seems to me that I experience a fore-
taste of the peace and bliss of paradise ! It
is, indeed, most certain that my heart has
been made for Thee, my beloved Lord, and
finds no joy but when it reposes in Thee. I
therefore give Thee thanks ; I firmly resolve
Devotions for Holy Communion 431
to avoid sin and the occasions of sin ; I will
dwell permanently in Thy divine Heart,
whence I expect the grace of loving Thee
unto death.
'/fjl iiXT strength hast Thou not imparted to
my soul, good Lord, by means of this
holy communion ! Oh ! how much I need it.
The road I have to traverse is so difficult,
that without Thee I should fear to venture
upon it. In a short time I shall return to my
daily occupations ; I shall continue my life
of yesterday ; I shall be exposed to the same
temptations, I shall find myself with my
usual faults. But Jesus, Thou Who didst
help the saints. Thou hast come to me. Stay,
oh, stay with me, and do Thou by Thy grace
help me to preserve in all my words and
actions, modesty, meekness, and humility.
Help me to make Thy presence within me
visible to all ; let others see in me the sweet-
ness of Thy charity, generosity, and kindness.
INVOCATIONS
C^fouL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
432 Devotions for Holy Communion
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the maHgnant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
For all eternity. Amen.
PRAYER
JESUS, living in Mary,
Come and live in Thy servants,
In the spirit of Thy hoHness,
In the fulness of thy might,
In the truth of Thy virtues,
In the perfection of Thy ways.
In the communion of Thy m3^steries.
Subdue every hostile power.
In Thy Spirit, for the glory of the Father.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Oct. 14, 1859.
Say before a crucifix the prayer, Look down upon
me, good and gentle Jesus I page 371, and the Our
Father, Hail Mary, and Glory five times for the holy
Catholic Church and the intentions of the Holy
Father in order to gain a plenary indulgence.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
OMY sweet Mother Mary, Mother of Him Whom
I hold within my heart, keep that heart which
thy Jesus has chosen this day for His dwelhng; de-
fend it by thy ceaseless prayer, and obta,in for me that
Devotions for Holy Communion 433
the Spirit of my Jesus, abiding with me, may continu-
ally remind me of the Gift of gifts I have received, and
inflamie my heart with love and with all holy desires.
Pray for thy child. 0 dearest ^^vlother. that the soul
of him who has been a living tabernacle for the Eu-
charistic God, may seek in all things the glory of that
God and the interests of His Sacred Heart.
— From ''The Voice of the Sacred Heart.''
prayer: MEMORARE to the blessed virgin MARY
EMORARE, 0 piissima 'T^ emember, 0 most
virgo IMaria, non A-\i gracious Mrgin
esse auditum a saeculo ]\Iary r that never was it
quemquam ad tua cur r en- known that any one who
tem praesidia, tua implo- fled to thy protection, im-
rantem auxilia, tua peten- plored thy help, and
tem suffragia, esse dere- sought thy intercession,
lictum. Ego tali anima- was left unaided. In-
tus confidentia, ad te, spired ^^ith this confidence,
virgo virginum. ]\Iater, I fly unto thee. 0 Mrgin of
curro. ad te venio, coram virgins, my ^Mother I To
te gemens peccator as- thee I come ; before thee
sisto ; noli, mater Verbi, I stand sinful and sorrow-
verba mea despicere, sed ful. 0 ^Mother of the
audi propitia, et exaudi. Word incarnate I despise
Amen. not my petitions, but in
thy mercy, hear and an-
swer me. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time ; plenary in-
dulgence once a month, on usual conditions. — Pius
I IX, Dec. II, 1846.
434 Devotions for Holy Communion
INDULGENCED EJACULATIONS
Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament, pray for us.
Before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. Indulgence of 300
days. — Pius X, Jan. 10, 1910.
Mary, our hope, have pity on us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 8, 1906.
Mary, sorrowing Mother of all Christians, pray
for us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
INVOCATION
BAG nos innocuam, /^rant, O holy Joseph,
Joseph, decurrere that, ever secure
vitam, sitque tuo semper under thy protection, we
tuta patrocinio. may pass our lives with-
out guilt.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March
18, 1882.
Hnotber JExercise of H)e\>otion for
Ibol^ Communion
ISefore l^ols Communion
PRAYER FOR GRACE
Y God, give me Thy grace that I may
receive holy communion in a manner
that will be most pleasing to Thee and most
profitable to my soul. Mary, my Mother !
Devotions for Holy Communion 435
dear St. Joseph I pray to Jesus for me. My
good angel guardian ! prepare my heart for
the worthy reception of my Lord ; lead me
to the Holy Table, to partake of the Food of
Angels, the Bread of Life.
ACT OF FAITH AND ADORATION
^T\y Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that Thou
^"^^ art truly present in the Blessed Sacra-
ment. I believe that in holy communion I
shall receive Thy sacred body and Thy pre-
cious blood. My faith in Thy real presence in
the Holy Eucharist is firmly founded on Thy
word, 0 eternal Truth. My Saviour and my
God, with the angels who surround Thy altar
throne, I bow down in humble adoration before
Thy Majesty.
ACT OF HOPE
r\ JESUS ! relying on Thy promises, on Thy
goodness, and on Thy omnipotence, I
hope to obtain from Thee the graces neces-
sary for the sanctification and salvation of
my soul.
ACT OF LOVE AND DESIRE
Esus, my God, Thou art infinitely good.
I love Thee above all things and with
my whole heart. I desire to receive Thee
43 6 Devotions for Holy Communion
in holy communion that I may love Thee
more and serve Thee better. Come to me
and strengthen me, so that I may never be
separated from Thee on earth and that I may
dwell with Thee eternally in heaven.
ACT or CONTRITION
Y God, I detest all the sins of my life. I
am truly sorry that I have sinned, be-
cause Thou art infinitely good and sin dis-
pleases Thee. Have mercy on me and pardon
my offenses. I am resolved to avoid the oc-
casions of sin and never again to offend Thee.
ACT OF HUMILITY AND CONFIDENCE
Esus, my Lord, I confess that I am a sinner.
But in Thy goodness Thou dost invite me
to approach Thy holy table and to partake
of Thy heavenly Banquet. Trusting in Thy
mercy I come to Thee with perfect confidence,
albeit with it a contrite and humble heart.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
enter under my roof ; but say only the word,
and my soul shall be healed. Come to me,
Jesus, come to me, and keep me in Thy love
and Thy grace for evermore.
Devotions for Holy Communion 437
Prayer
PJee where Thy boundless love has reached,
^ my loving Jesus ! Thou, of Thy flesh
and precious blood, hast made ready for me
a banquet whereby to give me all Thyself.
Who drove Thee to this excess of love for me ?
Thy Heart, Thy loving Heart. 0 adorable
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of divine
love ! within Thy sacred wound take Thou
my soul ; so that, in that school of charity, I
may learn to love Him Who has given me such
wondrous proofs of His great love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII,
Feb. 9, 1818.
Esus, hidden God, I cry to Thee;
O Jesus, hidden Light, I turn to Thee ;
O Jesus, hidden Love, I run to Thee ;
With all the strength I have I worship Thee ;
With all the love I have I cling to Thee ;
With all my soul I long to be with Thee ;
And fear no more to fail, or fall from Thee.
O Jesus, deathless Love, Who seekest me,
Thou Who didst die for longing love of me.
Thou King, in all Thy beauty, come to me,
White-robed, blood-sprinkled Jesus, come to
me.
And go no more, dear Lord, away from me.
438
Devotions for Holy Communion
O SWEETEST Jesus, bring me home to Thee ;
Free me, O dearest God, from all but Thee,
And all the chains that keep me back from Thee ;
Call me, O thrilUng Love, I follow Thee ;
Thou art my All, and I love naught but Thee.
O hidden Love, Who now art loving me ;
O wounded Love, Who once wast dead for me ;
O patient Love, Who weariest not of me — •
O bear with me till I am lost in Thee ;
O bear with me till I am found in Thee.
— Fr. Rawes.
^fter f^olg (!r0inmunt0n
ADORATION AND PRAISE
*TJ!> LESS the Lord, O my soul ! and let all that
^^^^ is within me bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and never for-
get all that He hath done for thee.
Now your King is here, Whom you have
chosen and desired (i Kings xii).
I will extol Thee, O God, my King (Ps. cxliv).
I will cry to God, the most High, to God
Who hath done good to me (Ps. Ivi).
Bless the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord, in the
courts of the house of our God (Ps. cxxxiii).
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us
extol His nam^e together (Ps. xxxiii).
Blessed be the Lord, for He hath shown His
wonderful mercy to me (Ps. xxx).
Devotions for Holy Communion
439
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my
spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
(Luke i).
Give glory to the Lord for He is good : for
His mercy endureth forever (Ps. cvi).
For He is our peace (Eph. ii) , making peace
through the blood of His cross (Col. i).
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true
man.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacra-
mxCnt of the altar.
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift
(2 Cor. ix).
The Lord is my rock, and my strength, and
my Saviour (2 Kings xxii).
He loved me and delivered Himself for me
(Gal. ii).
It is good for me to adhere to my God, to
put my hope in the Lord God. I will hear
what the Lord God will speak in me (Ps.
xxxi v) .
ERE pause awhile, and commune with your God
and Saviour. Tell Him how grateful you are
for this holy communion and for all His graces and
blessings. Tell Him again how sorry you are on ac-
count of your sins ; how much you love Him now, and
what you intend to do to prove your love. You want
440 Devotions for Holy Communion
to imitate the virtues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ;
resolve to become more hke to Jesus. Offer Him your
heart and ask Him to make it Hke to His own most
sacred Heart. Resolve to struggle valiantly against
your predominant passion and your evil incHnations.
Be generous in your sacrifices for the love of God,
and He will be generous in His rewards — generous
in accordance with His infinite goodness and power.
If you love God, you will keep His commandments.
That is the visible proof of charity. Love can not
rest in words — it must go out into action. If you
love God, you will do something for Him. Love is
ingenious at finding ways in which to show itself.
It manifests itself in acts of praise, in acts of self-de-
nial, in acts of kindness to God's other creatures.
Love without works is dead.
Approach Our Lord with confidence and ask Him
for whatever temporal and spiritual favors you desire,
but above all things pray for the gift of final persever-
ance. The love and the grace of God are the most
precious gifts. Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and all these things shall be added unto you ^' (Luke
xii, 31). In your sufferings and in your prayers
resolve to say with Christ in the Garden : " Not my
will but Thine be done." Saints and spiritual writers
agree that in holy Mass and after communion our
prayers are most acceptable and most likely to be
granted.
ACT OF PAITH
r\ JESUS, my God and my Saviour, Thy
word is Truth. I firmly believe that this
is Thy sacred body and blood which I have
just received, and that Thou art now really
Devotions for Holy Communion 441
and truly present within me. In loving adora-
tion I prostrate myself before Thee, and cry
out from the depths of my heart, '' My Lord,
my God, and my Ah I"
ACT OF HOPE AXD CONPIDEXCE
Y soul, confide in Jesus. He is good; He
is almighty; He is merciful. He is God
and He loves thee. In the Blessed Eucharist
He is sweet and mild and generous. Urged by
love, He comes to manifest His love to thee.
Yes, my dear Jesus, Thou art my hope and
my salvation. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place
my trust in Thee. I trust, O Lord, that Thou
wilt enkindle in my heart the flame of Thy
pure love, and a real desire to please Thee;
so that, from this day forw^ard, I may never
will anything but what Thou wiliest.
Lead me, 0 Lord, into the path of Thy
commandments; quicken me in Thy way.''
Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a
light to my paths."
^' Much peace have they that love Thy law."
— Ps. cxviii.
442 Devotions for Holy Communion
ACT or HUMILITY
JESUS, my God ! Thou art infinite in all
perfections; and I am but dust, and
unto dust shall I return. Depart from me,
O Lord, for I am a sinful man. Yet, O my
sweet Jesus, if Thou leavest me, to whom
shall I go ? What will become of me ?
Rather will I say, ^^Stay with me, Lord ; abide
always within my heart ; and may my heart
make every sacrifice for Thee.''
ACT OF LOVE
f\ jESUS, my God, infinite Love, Source
and Fount of all that is true, of all that
is good, of all that is beautiful, how can I help
loving Thee, both because of Thine own in-
finite goodness and because of Thy goodness
and kindness to me ! My Jesus ! I love Thee
with my whole heart. Oh, may I love Thee
daily more and more ! Amen.
ACT OF THANKSGIVING
(T)y good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my
heart for giving me Thyself, the Source
of all graces, in holy communion. I thank
Thee for all the blessings that I have received
from Thee, especially through the Holy
Devotions for Holy Communion
443
Eucharist, in which Thou art ever present to
console us and to help us in our needs.
In thanksgiving for all Thy favors, I offer
Thee all that I am and all that I have. Dis-
pose of me according to Thy pleasure. May
Thy will be done in me and through me now
and forever.
Jesus, receive my poor offering.
What can I give Thee ?
I give myself to Thee, that I may always
serve Thee.
I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste
and pure.
I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from
sin.
I give Thee my heart, that it may always
love Thee.
I give Thee myself in life and in death, that
I may be Thine forever and glorify Thee
eternally.
Remember the words of Jesus : Ask a.nd you shall
receive," and pray for yourself.
JESUS, wash away my sins with Thy
precious blood.
0 Jesus, the struggle against temptation is
not yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation
comes near me, make me strong against it.
In the moment of temptation may I always
444 Devotions for Holy Communion
say, ^'Jesus, mercy!'' ^'Mary, help of
Christians, come to my assistance/'
r\ MY Jesus, Thou well knowest that I love
Thee ; but I do not love Thee enough :
Oh ! make me to love Thee more. 0 Love
which burnest always and is never extin-
guished, my God, Thou who art Charity itself,
kindle in my heart the divine fire which
consumes the saints and transforms them
into Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day.
RANT US, O Lord Jesus, faithfully to imi-
tate the example of Thy Holy Family,
so that in the hour of our death, in the com-
pany of thy glorious Virgin Mother and St.
Joseph, we may deserve to be received by
Thee into eternal ta^bernacles.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day.
OfwEETEST Jesus, be to me not a judge but
a Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time.
Listen now for a moment to Jesus ; perhaps He has
something to say to you. There may be some prom-
ise you have made and broken, which He wishes you
to make again and keep.
Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your -
troubles. Then, pray for others.
Devotions for Holy Communion 445
Jesus, look down in mercy on Thy holy
Church. Bless our Holy Father, and
grant what he asks of Thee. 0 Jesus, have
pity on all sinners^ heretics, and infidels. Save
them by Thy most precious blood.
0 Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my
brothers, and sisters ; my relatives, friends,
and benefactors ; and all for whom I have
promised to pray; bless them so that they
may attain to eternal happiness.
0 Jesus, have pity on the poor souls suffer-
ing in purgatory^ and give them eternal rest.
PETITIONS
^\ JESUS, merciful Saviour, relying on
Thy infinite goodness, I hope to obtain
through this holy communion all the graces
of which I stand in need for my greater sancti-
fication and eternal salvation. Begging Thy
pardon for all the transgressions of my past
life, I first of all beseech Thee to give me the
grace that I may never again fall into any
mortal sin. I would rather be dead than live
a moment without Thy grace and Thy love.
But Thou, O Lord, knowest how weak I am
and how prone to evil. Do Thou strengthen
me by Thy grace, that I may be faithful in
doing Thy Vv^ill. Thou canst heal all the evils
446 Devotions for Holy Communion
of my soul since Thou art its true Physician,
Who givest me Thy body and blood in this
Blessed Sacrament as a sovereign medicine
for all my infirmities. Dispel the darkness
of ignorance from my understanding by Thy
heavenly light ; banish the corruption and
malice of my will by the fire of Thy divine
love ; subdue in me all evil passions and help
me especially to overcome my predominant
fault ; stand by me in all temptations of the
devil, the world, and the flesh, that I may
not fall into their snares. Increase my faith
and grant that in my daily life I may be guided
by Thy example and the maxims of Thy holy
Gospel. Teach me to be poor in spirit; to
place no value upon the world's transitory
pleasures and honors ; to be meek and humble
of heart and in patience to possess my soul;
to love Thee more and more and to walk al-
ways in Thy presence; to be kind and
generous to my neighbor ; to strive earnestly
to advance every day in holiness and per-
fection. May Thy holy will be accomplished
in me. Grant me, above all, the grace of
final perseverance, that I may become a saint.
O Mary, immaculate Mother of God ! All
ye angels and saints of heaven ! unite your
prayers with mine as you stand before the
throne of divine grace, and, above all, pray
Devotions for Holy Communion 447
that I may be united with you in loving,
praising, and enjoying God for all eternity.
iPetttt0ns to
*T^OMiNE Jesu, noverim
gjLJ me, noverim te,
Nec aliquid cupiam nisi te.
Oderim me et amem te.
Omnia agam propter te.
Humiliem me, exaltem te.
Nihil cogitem nisi te.
Mortificem me et vivam
in te.
Quaecunque eveniant acci-
piam a te.
Persequar me, sequar te.
Semperque optem sequi te.
Fugiam me, confugiam ad te,
Ut merear defendi a te.
Timeam mihi, timeam te,
Et sim inter electos a te.
Diffidam mihi, fidam in te.
Obedire vehm propter te.
^uQustmr
^T^JoRD Jesus, may I
^ I A know myself and know
Thee,
And desire nothing save only
Thee.
Alay I hate myself and love
Thee.
May I do everything for the
sake of Thee.
May I humble myself and
exalt Thee.
May I think of nothing ex-
cept Thee.
^lay I die to myself and live
in Thee.
May I receive whatever hap-
pens as from Thee.
May I banish self and fol-
low Thee.
And ever desire to follow
Thee.
May I fly from myself and
fly to Thee,
That I may deserve to be de-
fended by Thee.
iMay I fear for myself and
fear Thee,
And be among those who are
chosen by Thee.
May I distrust myself and
trust in Thee.
May I be willing to obey on
account of Thee.
44^ Devotions for Holy Communion
Ad nihil afficiar nisi ad te.
Et pauper sim propter te.
Aspice me, ut diligam te.
Voca me ut videam te,
Et in aeternum fruar te.
Amen.
May I cling to nothing but
to Thee.
May I be poor for the sake
of Thee.
Look upon me that I may
love Thee.
Call me that I may see Thee,
And ever and ever enjoy
Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Sept.
25, 1883.
^Reflections after (fTommuttton
I. /^ALL to mind frequently during the day that you
^-A, have received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and
say to yourself : This morning Jesus Christy the Son of
God, condescended to come and dwell within me, and gave
Himself to me^ By doing this, you will derive greater
fruit from your communion ; you will gain more patience
under difficulties, and be more careful in keeping the grace
of God in your soul ; you will more easily acquire true and
real devotion ; you will set a good example to others, and
have a continual inducement to lead a good Christian life.
Make Father Russell's thought and prayer your own :
*'*T^URiNG all the hours that follow of this day, my
thoughts, my words, and my deeds must be the
thoughts and words and deeds that are fitting one on whom
so many graces are showered hour by hour, the latest being
this sacramental communion. And so from day to day, from
communion to communion, may I sanctify my soul and
serve Thee, my almighty and all-merciful God, my Creator,
my Redeemer, my Judge — from day to da}^, and from
communion to communion, on to the last communion which
I hope to receive as my Viaticum. May that Viaticum
conduct my soul, pure from sin, safe to the feet of my Jesus,
Who has just now come to me as my Saviour, but then must
be my Judge. O Jesus, my Saviour, be to me indeed a
Saviour then and now and forever."
Devotions for Holy Communion 449
2. Retire frequently into your heart, in order to renew
an act of adoration of Jesus, or of thanksgiving for the
loving visit He made you in the morning, and rekindle the
fire of divine charity by some holy aspiration. We would
not so quickly lose the fervor of devotion and the love of
God, if we took greater pains about this ; and Jesus Christ
would not have to lament the coldness of men toward Him,
if they only thought oftener of His benefits and His love,
especially in the Most Holy Sacrament, and thanked Him
becomingly.
3. Frequently renew the offering of your heart to our
dear Lord. By giving Himself to you, He desires to gain
you to His love ; He earnestly asks you to give Him your
heart in exchange for the infinite gift He has bestowed upon
you. Will you be so ungrateful as to deny Him your heart,
and to give it to the world and the devil on the very day
on which He has come to take possession of it ? Ah !
no ; this must not be ; you have consecrated your heart to
Jesus in your communion; you must ratify and confirm
this offering ; and if the world, with its enticements, vanities,
and false pleasures, wishes to enter into your heart, say that
you have given it forever to Jesus. If the devil with his
suggestions, and the flesh with its temptations, assail your
heart, answer generously and courageously that you have
given it to Jesus, to be His and His alone and forever. Oh,
if all Christians were but to do this after their communion,
they would preserve the grace of God and not relapse into
sin.
4. Remember that your tongue has received Jesus, that
it has touched His sacred body when you went to commu-
nion. Only recall this thought to mind when you feel
tempted to speak impatiently, or so as to offend or injure
your neighbor ; and surely it will keep you from offending
Jesus with that tongue which has been sanctified by the
touch of His sacred flesh.
5. In connection with your visits to the Blessed wSacra-
ment, make a spiritual communion, renewing in the most
lively manner your desire to receive our dear Lord into your
heart. Remember, for love of us Jesus remains night and
day in the tabernacle, ardently desiring to communicate
4SO Litany for Boly Communion
Himself to our souls, and bestow His graces upon us. Ah !
what monstrous forgetfulness and ingratitude, if, when we
can easily visit Him, we neglect to go to Him during the day
to pay our homage and adoration to Him in return for all
His love.
N.B. — To these devotions after communion may be
added (or in place of them may be substituted), according
to one's time and pleasure, other acts and prayers in honor
of the Blessed Sacrament, the Passion of Our Lord, or the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
ilttang for Jgolg Communion
{Before or After)
This excellent litany from Mother Loyola's " Confession
and Communion" is intended for private devotion. The
approved and indulgenced Litanies of the Holy Name of
Jesus and of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when recited slowly
after holy communion, are apt to excite happy inspirations
and devout reflections.
*T loRD, have mercy on us.
|J — ^ Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity one God,
Jesus, living Bread which came down from Heaven,^
Jesus, Bread from Heaven giving life to the world,-
Hidden God and Saviour,^
My Lord and my God,^
Who hast loved us with an everlasting love,^
Whose delights are to be with the children of men,^
Who hast given Thy flesh for the life of the world,^
Who dost invite all to come to Thee,^
1 John vi. 2 John vi. ^ jg. xlv. ^ John xx.^
^ Jer. xxxi. ^ Prov. viii. John vi. ^ Matt. xi.
Litany for Holy Communion
Who dost promise eternal life to those who re- i
ceive Thee,^
Who with desire dost desire to eat this Pasch
with us, 2
Who art ever ready to receive and welcome us,
Who dost stand at our door knocking,^
Who hast said that if we will open to Thee the door,
Thou wilt come in and sup with us,^
Who dost receive us into Thy arms and bless us \
with the little children, ;
Who dost suffer us to sit at Thy feet with Magdalen,
Who dost invite us to lean on Thy bosom with the
beloved disciple.
Who hast not left us orphans,^
Most dear Sacrament,
Sacrament of love,
Sacrament of sweetness,
Life-giving Sacrament,
Sacrament of strength.
My God, and my all,
That our hearts may pant after Thee as the hart
after the fountains of water,^
That Thou w^ouldst manifest Thyself to us as to
the two disciples in the breaking of bread ,^
ji That we may know Thy voice like Magdalen,
j' That with a lively faith we may confess with the |
' beloved disciple — "It is the Lord," ^
I That Thou wouldst bless us who have not seen and :
have believed,^
That we may love Thee in the Blessed Sacrament
with our whole heart, with our whole soul, with all
our mind, and with all our strength,
That the fruit of each communion may be fresh love.
That our one desire may be to love Thee and to
do Thy will.
That we may ever remain in Thy love,^^
1 John vi. 2 Luke xxii. ^ Apoc. iii. ^ Apoc. iii.
^ John xiv. 6 Ps. xli. Luke xxiv. ^ John xxi.
9 John XX. 1" Mark xii. " John xv.
452 Litany for Holy Communion
That Thou wouldst teach us how to receive and welcome
Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst teach us to pray, and Thyself pray
within us,i We beseech Thee, hear us.
That with Thee every virtue may come into our
souls. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That through this day Thou wouldst keep us closely united
to Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give us grace to persevere to the
end,2 We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst then be our support and Viaticum,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That with Thee and leaning on Thee we may safely pass
through all dangers. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That our last act may be one of perfect love, and our last
breath a long deep sigh to be in Our Father's house, We
beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thy sweet face may smile upon us when we appear
before Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That our banishment from Thee, dearest Lord, may not
be very long. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That when the time is come, we may fly up from our prison
to Thee and in Thy sacred Heart find our rest forev^er,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us. We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us. We beseech Thee, hear us.
V. Stay with us, Lord, because it is toward evening.
R. And the day is now far spent.
Let us pray
E come to Thee, dear Lord, with the apostles, saying.
Increase our faith? Give us a strong and lively faith
in the mystery of Thy real presence in the midst of us.
Give us the splendid faith of the centurion, which drew
1 Luke xi.
2 Matt. X.
3 Luke xvii.
Litany for Holy Communion 453
from Thee such praise. Give us the faith of the beloved
disciple to know Thee in the dark and say, It is the Lord! ^
Give us the faith of Martha to confess, Thou art Christ the
Son of the living God? Give us the faith of Magdalen to
fall at Thy feet crying, Rabboni, Master.^ Give us the
faith of all Thy saints, to whom the Blessed Sacrament
has been heaven begun on earth. In every communion
increase our faith ; for with faith, love and humility, and
reverence and all good, will come into our souls.
Dearest Lord, increase our faith.
Peace tottl} 3rsus
QY LOVING Saviour ! ah, what depth of love
Hath made Thee leave Thy heavenly throne above
And come to visit me, to be my food,
To make my sinful body Thy abode ;
To shield me from the world, to make me pure,
To give me strength, with patience to endure.
Ah, let me with a burning soul draw near.
And fondly, with St. John, without a fear,
Lean my poor head upon Thy loving breast.
And in Thy sacred arms serenely rest,
Depart, each earthly care, each worldly smile ;
Leave m.e alone with Jesus for a while.
Sweet Jesus ! by this sacrament of love
All gross affections from my heart remove ;
Let but Thy loving kindness linger there,
Preserved by grace and perfected by prayer ;
And let me to my neighbor strive to be
As mild and gentle as Thou art with me.
Take Thou the guidance of my whole career.
That to displease Thee be my only fear ;
Give me that peace the world can never give,
And in Thy loving presence let me live.
Ah ! show me always. Lord, Thy holy will
And to each troubled thought say, "Peace, be still.^^
— R. Trainer.
1 John xxi.
2 John xi.
3 John XX.
454 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Benebxction of tbe Blesseb Sacrament
^^tagers at ISenctJiction
I
JESUS, Who art about to give Thy benediction
to me, and to all who are here present, I humbly
beseech Thee that it may impart to each and all of us
the special graces we need. Yet more than this I ask.
Let Thy blessing go forth far and wide. Let it be
felt in the souls of the afflicted who can not come here
to receive it at Thy feet. Let the weak and tempted
feel its power wherever they may be. Let poor sin-
ners feel its influence, arousing them to come to Thee.
Grant to me, O Lord, and to all here present, a strong
personal love of Thee, a lively horror of sin, a higher
esteem of grace, great zeal for Thy honor and glory,
for the interest of Thy Sacred Heart, for our own sanc-
tification and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
II
O DIVINE Redeemer, Who in Thy infinite goodness
hast been pleased to leave us Thy precious body
and blood in the Blessed Eucharist, we adore Thee
with the most profound respect, and return Thee our
most humble tjEianks for all the favors Thou hast be-
stowed upon us, especially for the institution of this
Most Holy Sacrament. As Thou art the source of
every blessing, we entreat Thee to pour down Thy
benediction this day upon us and our relatives, and
upon all those for whom we offer our prayers. And
that nothing may interrupt the course of Thy bless-
ing, take from our hearts whatever is displeasing to
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Pray for us.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 455
Thee. Pardon our sins, O my God. which, for the
love of Thee, we sincerely detest ; purify our hearts,
sanctify our souls, and bestow a blessing on us Hke
that which Thou didst grant to Thy disciples at Thy
ascension into heaven : grant us a blessing that may
change us, consecrate us. unite us perfectly to Thee,
fill us with Thy spirit, and be to us in this life a fore-
taste of those blessings which Thou has prepared for
Thy elect in Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.
o
SALUTARIS
Hostia,
Quae coeli pandis
ostium.
Bella premunt
hostilia ;
Da robur fer
auxilium.
Uni trinoque
Domino,
Sit sempiterna
gloria :
Qui vitam sine
termino.
Nobis donet in
patria. Amen.
O SAVING Mctim, open-
ing wide
The gate of heav'n to man
below I
Our foes press on from
every side ;
Thine aid supply. Thy
strength bestow.
To Thy great name be
endless praise,
Immortal Godhead, One
in Three ;
Oh, grant us endless
length of days.
In our true native land
with Thee. Amen.
^antum Srgo ^arratttEntum
*^^ANTUM ergo sacramen- 'Y'A owx in adoration f all-
V-/ turn, r-L/ ing,
Veneremur cernui ; Lo ! the sacred Host we
hail!
45^ Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Et antiquum documen-
tum
^ Novo cedat ritui ;
Praestet fides supplemen-
tum
Sensuum defectui.
Lo ! o'er ancient forms
departing,
Newer rites of grace pre
vail ;
Faith for all defects sup-
plying,
Where the feeble senses
fail.
Genitori, Genitoque,
Laus et jubilatio ;
Salus, honor, virtus quo-
que
Sit et benedictio :
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
V. Panem de coelo prae-
stitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamen-
tum in se habentem.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns
on high.
With the Holy Ghost pro-
ceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, bless-
ing,
Might, and endless maj-
esty. Amen.
V. Thou hast given
them bread from heaven.
R. Replenished with all
sweetness and delight.
Prayer
*TAeus, qui nobis, sub God, Who hast left
Sacramento mirabiH, us in this wonderful
passionis tuae memoriam sacrament a perpetual me-
reliquisti, tribue quae- morial of Thy passion ;
sumus, ita nos corporis et grant us the grace, we be-
sanguinis tui sacra mys- seech Thee, so to venerate
teiia venerari, ut re- the sacred mysteries of
demptionis tui fructum Thy body and blood that
Benediction, of the Blessed Sacrament 457
in nobis jugiter sentiamus. we may ever feel within
Qui vivis et regnas in us the fruit of Thy re-
saecula saeculorum. demption. Who livest
R, Amen. and reignest world with-
out end.
R. Amen.
t{je iSIessing
SACRAMENT most holy! O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every
moment thine.
May Thy blessing come down upon me, O Lord !
►^< in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
^ct of l^eparation for ^Profane ILanguage
BLESSED be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of
the altar.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most
holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.
Indulgence of 2 years for every public recital after
Mass or benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. —
Leo Xni, Feb. 2, 1897.
45 8 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
E Deum laudamus :
Te Dominum con-
fitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem, om-
nis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes angeli : tibi
coeli et universae potes-
tates :
Tibi cherubim et seraphim
incessabili voce procla-
mant :
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeH et terra
majestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus apostolorum
chorus :
Te prophetarum laudabilis
Humerus :
Te martyrum candidatus
laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum
sancta confitetur Ec-
clesia.
Patrem immensae majes-
tatis ;
Venerandum tuum verum
et unicum Filium ;
ILauliatnus
E praise Thee, O
God ; we acknowl-
edge Thee to be our
Lord.
All the earth worships
Thee, the Father ever-
lasting.
To Thee all the angels cry
aloud ; the heavens,
and all the heavenly
powers.
To Thee the cherubim and
seraphim continuall}^ do
cry :
Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full
of the majesty of Thy
glory. ^
The glorious choir of the
apostles praises Thee.
The admirable company
of the prophets praises
Thee.
The noble army of the
martyrs praises Thee.
The holy Church through-
out the world acknowl-
edges Thee.
The Father of infinite maj-
esty ;
Thy adorable, true, and
only Son ;
m.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 459
Sanctum quoque Paracli-
tum Spiritum.
Tu Rex glorias, Chris te.
Tu Patris sempiternus es
Filius.
Tu ad liberandum sus-
cep turns hominem, non
horruisti Mrginis ute-
rum.
Tu devicto mortis
aculeo, aperuisti cre-
dentibus regna coelo-
rum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei
sedes in gloria Pa-
tris.
Judex crederis esse ventu-
rus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis
famulis subveni, quos
pretioso sanguine re-
demisti.
interna fac cum Sanctis
tuis in gloria nume-
rari.
1 Salvum fac populum tuum
I Domine, et benedic hae-
reditati tuae.
Et rege eos, et extolle illos
usque in aeternum.
Also, the Holy Ghost, the
Comforter.
Thou, O Christ, art the
King of glory.
Thou art the everlasting
Son of the Father.
When Thou didst take
upon Thee to deliver
man. Thou didst not
disdain the Virgin's
womb.
Having overcome the
sting of death, Thou
didst open the kingdom
of heaven to all be-
lievers.
Thou sittest at the right
hand of God, in the
glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou
shalt come to be our
Judge.
We therefore pray Thee
to help Thy servants,
whom Thou hast re-
deemed with Thy pre-
cious blood.
iMake them to be num-
bered with Thy saints
in glory everlasting.
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thy inheri-
tance.
Govern them and raise
them up forever.
460 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Per singulos dies benedi-
cimus Te.
Et laudamus nomen tuum
in saeculum, et in saecu-
lum saeculi.
Dignare, Domine, die isto,
sine peccato nos custo-
dire.
Miserere nostri, Domine,
miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua, Do-
mine, super nos : que-
madmodum speravimus
in Te.
In Te, Domine, speravi ;
non confundar in aeter-
num.
On occasions of solemn
prayers are added :
BENEDICTUS es, Do-
mine, Deus Patrum
nostrorum.
R. Et laudabilis, et glo-
riosus in saecula.
V. Benedicamus Pa-
trem et Filium, cum Sanc-
to Spiritu.
R. Laudemus et super-
exaltemus eum in saecula.
F. Benedictus es, Do-
mine Deus, in firmamento
coeli.
R. Et laudabilis, et glo-
Every day we bless
Thee.
And we praise Thy name
forever ; yea, forever
and ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
day, to keep us from sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord,
have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord,
be upon us, as we have
hoped in Thee.
In Thee, 0 Lord, I have
hoped ; let me never be
confounded.
thanksgiving the following
BLESSED art Thou,
O Lord, the God of
our fathers.
R. And worthy to be
praised, and glorified for-
ever.
V. Let us bless the
Father and the Son, with
the Holy Ghost.
R. Let us praise and
magnify Him forever.
V. Blessed art Thou,
O Lord, in the firmament
of heaven.
R. And worthy to be
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 461
riosus. et superexaltatiis praised, glorified, and ex-
in 5£ECula. alted forever.
T'. Benedic. animamea. R. Bless the Lord. O
Dominum. my soul.
R. Et noli oblivisci om- R. And forget not all
nes retributiones ejus. His benefits.
V, Domine. exaudi ora- V . 0 Lord, hear my
tionem meam. prayer.
R. Et clamor meus ad R, And let my cry
te veniat. come unto Thee.
Y . Dominus vobiscum. V . The Lord be with
you.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R, And with thy spirit.
Or emus
*Y^Ers. cujus miseri-
<JL/ cordiae non est nu-
merus. et bonitatis in-
finitus est thesaurus :
piissimae majestati tuse
pro collatis donis gratias
agimus. tuam semper cle-
mentiam exorantes : ut
qui petentibus postulata
concedis. eosdem non de-
serens. ad praemia futura
disponas.
Let us pray
OGoD. Whose mercies
are without number,
and the treasure of Whose
goodness is infinite : we
render thanks to Thy
most gracious ^Majesty
for the gifts Thou hast
bestowed upon us. ever-
more beseeching Thy clem-
ency ; that as Thou grant-
est the petitions of those
who ask Thee. Thou wilt
never forsake them, but
wilt prepare them for the
rewards to come.
't^eus. qui corda fide- God, Who hast taught
lium Sancti Spiritus the hearts of the
illustratione docuisti : da faithful by the hght of the
nobis in eodem Spiritu Holy Spirit : grant us, by
462
Stations of the Cross
recta sapere, et de ejus
semper consolatione gau-
dere.
*Y^EUS, qui neminem in
Te sperantem nim-
ium affligi permittis, sed
pium precibus praestas-
auditum ; pro postula-
tionibus nostris, votisque
susceptis gratias agimus,
Te piissime deprecantes,
ut a cunctis semper muni-
amur adversis. Per
Christum Dominum nos-
trum.
R. Amen.
the same Spirit, to relish
what is right, and ever-
more to rejoice in His
consolation.
OGoD, Who sufferest
none that hope in
Thee to be afflicted over-
much, but dost listen gra- '
ciously to their prayers ;
we render Thee thanks
because Thou hast re-
ceived our supplications
and vows, and we most
humbly beseech Thee that
we may evermore be pro-
tected from all adversities.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Ube Stations of tbe Cross
PREPARATORY PRAYER
/T\osT merciful Jesus ! With a contrite heart and
^^'■^ penitent spirit I purpose now to perform this
devotion in honor of Thy bitter Passion and death.
I adore Thee most humbly as my Lord and my God.
I thank Thee most heartily, my divine Saviour, for
the infinite love wherewith Thou didst make the pain-
ful journey to Calvary for me, a wretched sinner,
and didst die upon the cross for my salvation. I am
truly sorry for all my sins, because by them I have
offended Thee, Who are infinitely good. I detest
them and I am resolved to amend my life. Grant
Stations of the Cross
463
that I may gain all the indulgences which are attached
to this devotion, and since Thou hast promised to
draw all things to Thyself, draw my heart and my
love to Thee, that I may hve and die in union with
Thee. Amen.
JFirst station
Jesus is Condenuied to Death
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
Esus, most innocent and perfectly sinless, was con-
demned to death, and, moreover, to the most
ignominious death of the cross. To remain a friend
of Caesar, Pilate delivered Him into the hands of His
enemies. A fearful crime — to condemn Innocence
to death, and to offend God in order not to displease
men !
Prayer
OixxocEXT Jesus ! Having sinned. I am guilty
of eternal death, but Thou willingly dost accept
the unjust sentence of death, that I might hve. For
whom, then, shall I henceforth hve, if not for Thee,
my Lord ? Should I desire to please men, I could not
be Thy servant. Let me, therefore, rather displease
men and all the world than not please Thee, O Jesus.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
464
Stations of the Cross
.SecontJ .Statton
Jesus Carries His Cross
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because b}^ Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
HEN our divine Saviour beheld the cross. He
stretched out His bleeding arms toward it with
eager desire, lovingly embraced it, tenderly kissed it,
and, placing it on His bruised shoulders, joyfully
carried it, although He was worn and weary unto
death.
Prayer
MY Jesus ! I cannot be Thy friend and follower
if I refuse to carry the cross. O dearly beloved
cross ! I embrace thee, I kiss thee, I joyfully accept
thee from the hands of my God. Far be it from me
to glory in anything, save in the cross of my Redeemer.
By it the world shall be crucified to me and I to the
world, that I may be Thine, O Jesus, forever.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
^fjtrti <Statton
Jesus Falls the First Time
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
Stations of the Cross
465
MEDITATION
OUR dear Saviour carrying the cross was so weakened
by its heavy weight as to fall exhausted to the
ground. Our sins were the heavy burden which op-
pressed Him ; the cross was to Him light and sweet,
but our sins were galling and insupportable.
Prayer
OMY Jesus ! Thou didst bear my burden and the
heavy weight of my sins. Should I, then, not
bear in union with Thee my easy burden of suffering,
and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments?
Thy yoke is sweet and Thy burden is light : I there-
fore willingly accept it. I will take up my cross and
follow Thee.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
jFourtij .Station
Jesus Meets His A fflicted Mother
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
ow painful it must have been for Mary, the sorrow-
ful Mother, to behold her beloved Son laden with
the burden of the cross. What unspeakable pangs
her most tender heart experienced ! How earnestly
466
Siaficvis of tJic Cross
she desired to die in plaee of Jesus, or at least with
Him ! Implore this sorrowful Mother to assist you
graciously in the hour of your death.
Prayer
O JESUS ! O Alary ! I am the cause of the great and
manifold pains which pierce your loving hearts.
O that my heart also would experience at least some
of your sufferings ! Mother of sorrows ! pray for me
that I may be truly sorry for my sins, bear my suffer-
ings patiently in union with thee, and merit to enjoy
thy assistance in the hour of my death.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
JTiftfj station
Si}}io}i of Cyrefie Helps Jesus to Carry the Cross
r. We adore Thee. O Christ, and praise Thee:
R. Because by thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world I
MEDITATIOX
IMOX of Cyrene was compelled to assist Jesus in
carrying His cross, and Jesus accepted his assist-
ance. How willingly would He also permit you to
carry the cross. He calls, but you hear Him not ; He
invites you. but you decline His invitation. What
a reproach it is to bear the cross reluctantly !
Stations of the Cross
467
Prayer
O JESUS ! whosoever does not take up his cross and
follow Thee is not worthy of Thee. Behold, I
will accompany Thee on the way of the cross ; I will
carry my cross cheerfully ; I will walk in Thy blood-
stained footsteps, and follow Thee, that I may be with
Thee in life eternal.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified:
R. Have mercy on us !
SbiiW] station
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
VERONICA, impelled by devotion and compassion,
wipes the disfigured face of Jesus with her veil.
And Jesus imprints on it His holy countenance : a
great recompense for so small a service. What return
do you make to your Saviour for His great and mani-
fold benefits ?
Prayer
OST merciful Jesus ! What return shall I make
for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me ?
Behold I consecrate myself entirely to Thy service.
I oft'er and consecrate to Thee my heart : imprint on
it Thy sacred image, never again to be effaced by sin.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
468
Stations of the Cross
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
,Sebcnt|) <Station
Jesus Falls the Second Time
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
HE suffering Jesus, under the weight of His cross,
again falls to the ground ; but the cruel execu-
tioners do not permit Him to rest a moment. Push-
ing and striking Him, they urge Him onward. It is
the frequent repetition of our sins which oppresses
Jesus. Knowing and realizing this, how can I con-
tinue to sin ?
Prayer
O JESUS, Son of David ! Have mercy on me !
Extend to me Thy gracious hand and support me,
that I may never again fall into my old sins. From
this very moment I will strive most earnestly to re-
form my life and to avoid every sin. Help of the weak,
strengthen me by Thy grace, without which I can do
nothing, that I may carry out faithfully my good
resolution.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
F. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
Stations of the Cross
469
!Eisf)tj[j station
The Daughters of Jerusalem Weep over Jesus
V, We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
HESE devoted women, moved by compassion, weep
over the suffering Saviour. But He turns to
them, saying: ''Weep not for Me Who am innocent,
hut weep for yourselves and for your children.^^ Weep
thou also ; for there is nothing more pleasing to Our
Lord, and nothing more profitable for thyself, than
tears that are shed in contrition for sin.
Prayer
JESUS ! Who will give to my eyes a fountain of
tears, that day and night I may weep for my sins.
I beseech Thee, through Thy bitter tears, to move
my heart to compassion and repentance, so that I may
weep all my days over Thy sufferings and still more
over their cause, my sins.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
Ntntfi ^tatt0n
Jesus Falls the Third Time
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world.
470
Stations of the Cross
MEDITATION
^^Esus, arriving exhausted at the foot of Calvary,
5) falls the third time to the ground. His love for
us, however, remains strong and fervent.
What an oppressive burden our sins must be to cause
Jesus to fall so often ! Had He, however, not taken
them upon Himself, they would have plunged us into
the abyss of hell.
Prayer
OST merciful Jesus ! I return Thee infinite
thanks for not permitting me to continue in sin
and to fall, as I have so often deserved, into the depths
of hell. Enkindle in me an earnest desire of amend-
ment ; let me never again relapse, but vouchsafe me
the grace to persevere in penance to the end of my life.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
Centlj .Station
Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy Holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
HEN Our Saviour had arrived on Calvary, He was
cruelly despoiled of His garments. How pain-
ful this must have been, because they adhered to His
lacerated body and with them parts of His bloody skin
Stations of the Cross
471
were torn away. All the wounds of Jesus are re-
newed. Jesus is despoiled of His garments that He
might die possessed of nothing; how happy shall I
also die after casting off my evil self with all its sinful
inclinations !
Prayer
ELP me, Jesus ! to conquer myself and to be re-
newed according to Thy will and desire. I will
not count the cost, but wdll struggle bravely to cast
off my evil propensities ; despoiled of things temporal
of my own will, I desire to die, that I may live to Thee
for evermore.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V . Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
lElebcntij Station
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
V. We adore Thee, 0 Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
Esus, after He had been stripped of His garments,
was violently thrown upon the cross, to which
His hands and His feet were nailed most cruelly. In
this excruciating pain He remained silent, and per-
fectly resigned to the will of His heavenly Father.
He suffered patiently, because He suffered for me.
How do I act in sufferings and in trouble ? How
fretful and impatient, how full of complaints I am !
472
Stations of the Cross
Prayer
O JESUS, meek and gentle Lamb of God ! I re-
nounce forever my impatience. Crucify, O Lord !
my flesh and its concupiscences. Punish me, afflict
me in this life, as Thou wiliest, only spare me in eter-
nity. I commit my destiny to Thee, resigning my-
self to Thy holy will : Not my will but Thine be done !
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
B. Have mercy on us !
Cbjelftfj station
Jesus Dies on the Cross
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R, Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
BEHOLD Jesus crucified ! Behold His wounds,
received for love of you ! His whole appearance
betokens love ! His head is bent to kiss you, His
arms are extended to embrace you. His Heart is
open to receive you. O superabundance of love !
Jesus, the Son of God, dies upon the cross, that man
may live and be delivered from everlasting death.
Prayer
OMOST amiable Jesus ! If I can not sacrifice my
life for love of Thee, I will at least endeavor to die
to the world. How must I regard the world and its
vanities, when I behold Thee hanging on the cross,
Stations of the Cross
473
covered vnth wounds ? O Jesus ! receive me into Thy
wounded Heart : I belong entirely to Thee ; for Thee
alone do I desire to live and to die.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
El}ixtztnt\) ^Station
Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
Esus did not descend from the cross, but remained
on it until He died. And when taken down from
it. He, in death as in life, rested on the bosom of His
blessed Mother. Persevere in your resolutions of
reform and do not part from the cross ; he who per-
severeth to the end shall be saved. Consider, more-
over, how pure the heart should be that receives the
body and blood of Christ in the adorable Sacrament
of the Altar.
Prayer
1 LORD Jesus ! Thy lifeless body, bruised and
lacerated, found a worthy resting place on the
I bosom of Thy virgin Mother. Have I not often com-
pelled Thee to dwell in my heart, despite its un-
worthiness to receive Thee ? Create in me a new
heart, that I may worthily receive Thy most sacred
474 Stations of the Cross
body in holy communion, and that Thou mayest
remain in me and I in Thee, for all eternity.
Our Father^ etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
Jourteentfj station
Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee:
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world !
MEDITATION
HE body of Jesus is interred in a stranger's sepul-
cher. He Who in this world had not whereupon
to rest His head would not even have a grave of His
own, because He was not of this world. You who
are so attached to the world, henceforth despise it, that
you may not perish with it.
Prayer
JESUS ! Thou hast set me apart from the world :
what, then, shall I seek therein ? Thou hast
created me for heaven ; what, then, have I to do with
the world? Depart from me, deceitful world, with
thy vanities ! Henceforth I will follow the way of
the cross traced out for me by my Redeemer, and
journey onward with courage and fortitude to my
heavenly home, my eternal dwelling place.
Our Father, etc. ; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified :
R. Have mercy on us !
Stations of the Cross
475
CONCLUSION
LMIGHTY and eternal God ! merciful Father! Who
hast given to the human race Thy beloved Son
as an example of humility, obedience, and patience,
to precede us on the Way of the Cross and on the Way
of Life, graciously grant that we, inflamed by His in-
finite love, may take upon us the sweet yoke of His
Gospel and the mortification of the cross, following
Him as His true disciples, so that we m.ay one day
gloriously rise with Him and joyfully hear the final
sentence: "Come ye blessed of My Father, possess
you the kingdom prepared for you from the founda-
tion of the world" (Matt. xxv. 34).
^tabat iKater
TABAT Mater dolo-
rosa,
Juxta crucem lacry-
mosa,
Dum pendebat Filius.
Cujus animam gemen-
tem,
Contristatam et dolen-
tem,
Pertransivit gladius.
O quam tristis et af-
flicta
Fuit ilia benedicta
Mater Unigeniti !
T the cross her sta-
tion keeping,
Stood the mournful
Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart. His
sorrow sharing.
All His bitter anguish
bearing.
Now at length the sword
has passed.
Oh, how sad and sore dis-
tressed
Was that Mother highly
blessed
Of the sole-begotten One !
476 Stations 0
Quae moerebat, et dole-
bat,
Pia Mater dum vide-
bat
Nati poenas inclyti.
Quis est homo qui non
fleret
Matrem Christi si vi-
deret
In tanto supplicio?
Quis non posset contris-
tari,
Christi IMatrem con-
templari
Dolentem cum Fiho ?
Pro peccatis suas gen-
tis,
Vidit Jesum in tormen-
tis,
Et flagelhs subdi-
tum,
Vidit suum dulcem na-
tum
Moriendo, desolatum,
Dum emisit spiritum.
Eia mater, fons amo-
ris.
f the Cross
Christ above in torment
hangs,
She beneath beholds the
pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.
Is there one who would
not weep
Whelmed in miseries so
deep
Christ's dear Mother to
behold ?
Can the human heart re-
frain
From partaking in her
pain,
In that Mother's pain
untold ?
Bruised, derided, cursed,
defiled,
She beheld her tender
Child,
All with bloody scourges
rent.
For the sins of His own
nation
Saw Him hang in desola-
tion
Till His spirit forth He
sent.
O thou Mother ! fount of
love,
Stations of the Cross 477
Me sentire vim do- Touch my spirit from
loris above.
Fac. ut tecum lugeam. Make my heart with thine
accord :
Fac, ut ardeat cor meum Make me feel as thou hast
felt :
In amando Christum Make my soul to glow and
Deum melt
Ut sibi complaceam. With the love of Christ,
my Lord.
Sancta Mater istud agas Holy Mother ! pierce me
through.
Crucifixi fige plagas In my heart each wound
renew
Cordi meo valide. Of my Saviour crucified.
Tui nati vulnerati, Let me share with thee
His pain,
Tam dignati pro me Who for all our sins was
pati, slain,
Poenas mecum di- Who for m.e in torments
vide. died.
Fac me tecum pie flere, Let me mingle tears with
thee,
Crucifixo condolere, Mourning Him Who
mourned for me,
Donee ego vixero. All the days that I may
live.
If Juxta crucem tecum By the cross wdth thee to
stare, stay,
Et me tibi sociare, There with thee to weep
In planctu desidero. and pray.
Is all I ask of thee to give.
478 Stations oj
Virgo virginum praeclara,
Mihi jam non sis amara,
Fac me tecum plan-
gere.
Fac, ut portem Christi
mortem,
Passionis fac consortem,
Et plagas recolere.
Fac me plagis vulne-
rari,
Fac me cruce inebri-
ari,
Et cruore Filii.
Flammis ne urar succen-
sus
Per te, Virgo, sim defen-
sus
In die judicii.
Christe, cum sit hinc
exire,
Da per Matrem me
venire
Ad palmam victoriae.
Quando corpus morietur,
Fac ut animae donetur
Paradisi gloria.
Amen.
* the Cross
Virgin of all virgins best !
Listen to my fond request :
Let me share thy grief
divine ;
Let me, to my latest
breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of thine.
Wounded with His every
wound,
Steep my soul till it hath
swooned
In His very blood away;
Be to me, 0 Virgin,
nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and
die.
In His awful judgment
day.
Christ, when Thou shalt
call me hence,
Be Thy Mother my de-
fense.
Be Thy cross my victory ;
While my body here de-
cays.
May my soul Thy good-
ness praise,
Safe in paradise with Thee.
Amen.
Litanies
479
V . Or a pro nobis, Virgo
dolorosissima.
R. Ut digni efficiamur
promissionibus Chris ti.
Or emus
IXTERVEXiAT pro nobis.
qu^sumus, Domine
Jesu Christe, nunc et in
hora mortis nostrae, apud
tuam clementiam, beata
Virgo Maria Mater tua,
cujus sacratissimam ani-
mam in hora tuae passionis
doloris gladius pertransi-
vit. Per te, Jesu Christe,
salvator mundi, qui cum
Patre et Spiritu Sancto
vivis et regnas, per omnia
sascula saeculorum.
Amen.
V. Pray for us, Virgin
most sorrowful.
R. That we may be
made worthy of the prom-
ises of Christ.
Let us pray
RAXT, we beseech
Thee, 0 Lord Jesus
Christ, that the most
blessed Mrgin ]Mary, Thy
]\Iother, through whose
most holy soul, in the hour
of Thine own Passion, the
sword of sorrow passed,
may intercede for us be-
fore the throne of Thy
mercy, now and at the hour
of our death. Through
Thee, Jesus Christ, Sa-
viour of the world. Who
hvest and reignest, with
the Father and the Holy
Ghost, now and forever.
Amen.
Xitanies
Xltani^ of tbe /Ibost 1Rame of Jeaus
'T^ ORD, have mercy on us.
J— i Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
48o
Litanies
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven/
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, Son of the living God,
splendor of the Father,
brightness of eternal light,
king of glory,
the sun of justice,
son of the Virgin Mary,
amiable,
admirable,
the powerful God,
father of the world to come,
angel of the great council,
most powerful,
most patient,
most obedient,
meek and humble of heart,
lover of chastity,
lover of us,
God of peace,
author of life,
model of all virtues,
zealous for souls,
our God,
our refuge,
father of the poor,
treasure of the faithful,
good shepherd,
true light,
eternal wisdom,
infinite goodness,
1 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
Jesus, our way and our life/
Jesus, joy of angels,
Jesus, king of patriarchs,
Jesus, master of apostles,
Jesus, teacher of the evangelists,
Jesus, strength of martyrs,
Jesus, light of confessors,
Jesus, purity of virgins,
Jesus, crown of all saints.
Be merciful. Spare us, 0 Jesus.
Be merciful. Graciously hear us, 0 Jesus.
From all evil, ^
From all sin.
From Thy wrath,
From the snares of the devil,
From the spirit of fornication.
From eternal death,
From a neglect of Thy inspirations,
By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
By Thy nativity.
By Thy infancy,
By Thy most divine hfe,
By Thy labors,
By Thy agony and Passion,
By Thy cross and dereliction,
By Thy languors.
By Thy death and burial,
By Thy resurrection.
By Thy ascension,
By Thy institution of the Most Holy Eucharist,^
By Thy joys,
1 Have mercy on us.
2 Deliver us, O Jesus.
3 Where authorized by the Bishop, the following invocation
may be added here: ''By Thy institution of the Most Holy
Eucharist" (Congr. of Rites, Feb. 8, 1905).
482
Litanies
By Thy glory ,i
Lamb of God, Who takes t away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Jesus !
Lamb of God, Who takes t away the sins of the world.
Hear us, 0 Jesus !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Jesus !
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray
LORD Jesus Christ, Who hast said, ^^Ask and
you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock
and it shall be opened unto you ! " mercifully attend
to our supplications, and grant us the gift of Thy
divine charity, that we may ever love Thee with our
whole heart, and never desist from Thy praise.
Give us, O Lord, a perpetual fear and love of Thy
holy name ; for Thou never ceasest to govern those
whom Thou foundest upon the solidity of Thy love.
Who livest and reignest one God, world without end.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Jan. 16, 1886.
Xitan^ of tbe SacreD Ibeart of Scene
*T !oRD, have mercy on us.
*J— * Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,^
1 Deliver us, O Jesus, 2 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
483
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,^
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb
of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of
God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise.
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts.
Heart of Jesus, in Whom are all the treasures of wis-
dom and knowledge.
Heart of Jesus, in Whom dwells the fulness of divinity.
Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of Whose fulness w^e have all received.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
1 Have mercy on us.
484
Litanies
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,^
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints.
Lamb of God, Who takes t away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world.
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.
Let us pray
O ALMIGHTY and eternal God, look upon the heart
of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the praise
and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners
and for those who seek Thy mercy ; be Thou appeased
and grant us pardon in the name of the same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in
the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XHI,
April 2, 1899.
Xltan^ ot tbe :fi3le00cD li)lrgln
*T 1 ORD, have mercy on us.
A — ^ Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
1 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
485
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on
us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary.^
Holy Mother of God,
Holy \lrgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure.
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled.
Mother most amiable.
Mother most admirable.
Mother of good counsel.
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Saviour,
Virgin most prudent.
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful.
Virgin most faithful.
Mirror of justice.
Seat of wisdom.
Cause of our joy.
Spiritual vessel.
Vessel of honor.
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold.
1 Pray for us.
486
Litanies
Ark of the covenant,^
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the aflflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels.
Queen of patriarchs.
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles.
Queen of martyrs,
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins.
Queen of all saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world.
Graciously hear us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, .
Have mercy on us !
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises
of Christ.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time ; plenary indul-
gence on usual conditions. — ^Pius VH, Sept. 30, 1817.
Let us pray
OUR forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace
into our hearts ; that we, to whom the Incar-
nation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the
message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross,
^ Pray for us.
Litanies
487
be brought to the glory of His resurrection ; through
the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance remain always with us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through
the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God,
despise not our petitions in our necessities ; but de-
liver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed
Virgin. Amen.
Xitan^ ot St* 5o6epb
*Tr^ORD, have mercy on us !
r-L- « Christ, have mercy on us !
Lord, have mercy on us I
Christ, hear us I
Christ, graciously hear us I
God, the Father of Heaven, ^
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary,'-
Holy Joseph,
Noble scion of David,
Light of the patriarchs,
Spouse of the ^Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Sedulous defender of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family.
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most vahant,
1 Have mercy on us.
2 Praj' for us.
488
Litanies
Joseph most obedient/
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty.
Model of workers,^
Ornament of domestic life,
Protector of virgins.
Pillar of families,
Consolation of the afflicted,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying.
Terror of the demons.
Protector of holy Church,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us, O Lord !
V. He made him master of his house :
R. And ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray
God, who in Thy ineffable Providence didst
vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the
spouse of Thy most holy Mother : grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may have him whom we
venerate as our protector on earth, as our intercessor
in heaven. Who livest and reignest world without
end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the souls in
purgatory. — Pius X, March 18, 1909.
1 Pray for us.
2 Or, Model of artisans.
Litanies
489
Xltani2 ot tbe Satnte
"T^ ORD, have mercy on us.
t * ^ Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy
on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,i
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
St. Michael,
St. Gabriel, . »
St. Raphael,
All ye holy angels and archangels,
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,
St. John Baptist,
St. Joseph,
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. James,
St. John,
St. Thomas,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Matthew,
1 Pray for us.
490
Litanies
St. Simon,^
St.Thaddeus,
St. Matthias,
St. Barnabas,
St. Luke,
St. Mark,
All ye holy apostles and evangelists^
All ye holy disciples of Our Lord,
All ye holy innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
St. Vincent,
SS. Fabian and Sebastian,
SS. John and Paul,
SS. Cosmas and Damian,
SS. Gervase and Protase,
All ye holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester, . .
St. Gregory,
St. Ambrose,
St. Augustine,
St. Jerome,
St. Martin,
St. Nicholas,
All ye holy bishops and confessors,
All ye holy doctors,
St. Anthony,
St. Benedict,
St. Bernard,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis.
x\ll ye holy priests and levites.
All ye holy monks and hermits,
St. Mary Magdalen,
St. Agatha,
1 Pray for us.
Litanies
491
St. Lucy/
St. Agnes,
St. Cecilia,
St. Catherine,
St. Anastasia,
All ye holy virgins and widows.
All ye men and women, saints of God, Make inter-
cession for us.
Be merciful, Spare us, O Lord !
Be merciful, Graciously hear us, 0 Lord !
From all evil,^
From all sin.
From Thy wrath.
From a sudden and unprovided death,
From the snares of the devil,
From anger, hatred, and all ill will,
From the spirit of fornication.
From Hghtning and tempest,
From the scourge of earthquake.
From pestilence, famine, and war,
From everlasting death.
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
Through Thy coming,
Through Thy nativity,
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting,
I Through Thy cross and Passion,
I Through Thy death and burial,
} Through Thy holy resurrection,
Through Thy admirable ascension,
Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete,
In the Day of Judgment, We sinners beseech Thee,
hear us,
' That Thou wouldst spare us,^
1 Pray for us. 2 0 Lord, deliver us.
3 We beseech Thee, hear us.
492
Litanies
That Thou wouldst pardon us/
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us to true
penance,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to govern and preserve
Thy holy Church,
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve our Apostolic
Prelate and all ecclesiastical Orders in holy religion,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to humble the enemies
of Thy holy Church,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give peace and true
concord to Christian kings and princes,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace and
unity to all Christian people,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to confirm and preserve
us in Thy holy service,
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly
desires,
That Thou wouldst render eternal good things to all
our benefactors.
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls and those of our
brethren, kinsfolk, and benefactors from eternal
damnation,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give and preserve
the fruits of the earth,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give eternal rest to
all the faithful departed,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to hear us.
Son of God,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Lord !
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Lord !
1 We beseech Thee, hear us.
Litanies
493
Christ, hear us ; Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. (In secret.)
V, x\nd lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
PSALM LXIX
0 God, come to mine assistance ; 0 Lord, make
haste to help me.
Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my
soul.
Let them be turned backward and blush for shame
that desire evils to me.
Let them be presently turned away blushing for
shame that say to me, "Lis well, 'tis well.
Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee ;
and let such as love Thy salvation say always, The
Lord be magnified.
But I am needy and poor : 0 God, help me.
Thou are my helper and my deliverer : 0 Lord,
make no delay.
Glory he to the Father, etc.
V. Save Thy servants.
R. Trusting in Thee, 0 my God.
V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the enemy.
F. Let not the enemy prevail against us.
R. Nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt us.
V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.
V. Let us pray for our chief bishop N.
R, The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and
494
Litanies
make him blessed upon earth, and deliver him not
to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy name's sake, to re-
ward with eternal life all those who have done us good.
V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let per-
petual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
F. For our absent brethren.
R. O my God, save Thy servants trusting in Thee.
V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy holy place.
R. And from Sion protect them.
F. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray
God, Whose property it is always to have mercy
and to spare, receive our petitions, that we, and
all Thy servants who are bound by the chain of sin,
may, by the compassion of Thy goodness, mercifully
be absolved.
Hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayer of Thy
suppliants, and pardon the sins of those who confess
to Thee, that, of Thy bounty. Thou mayest grant us
pardon and peace.
In Thy clemency, O Lord, show Thy unspeak-
able mercy to us, that so Thou mayest both acquit
us of our sins and deliver us from the punishment we
deserve for them.
O God, Who by sin art offended and by penance
pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people,
who make supplication to Thee, and turn away the
scourges of Thy anger, which we deserve for our sins.
Litanies
495
O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on Thy
servant N., our chief bishop, and direct him, accord-
ing to Thy clemency, in the way of everlasting sal-
vation, that, by Thy grace, he may desire the things
that are agreeable to Thy will, and perform them with
all his strength.
O God, from Whom are all holy desires, righteous
counsels, and just works, give to Thy servants that
peace which the world can not give ; that, our hearts
being disposed to keep Thy commandments, and the
fear of enemies taken away, the times, by Thy pro-
tection, may be peaceable.
Inflame, 0 Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire
of the Holy Ghost ; to the end that we may serve
Thee with a chaste body, and please Thee with a clean
heart.
0 God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faith-
ful, give to the souls of Thy servants departed the
remission of all their sins, that by pious suppUcations
they may obtain the pardon they have always desired.
Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by
Thy holy inspirations, and carry them on by Thy
gracious assistance ; that every prayer and work of
ours may always begin from Thee, and by Thee be
happily ended.
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast dominion
over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all
whom Thou foreknowest shall be Thine by faith and
good works : we humbly beseech Thee that they for
whom we have resolved to offer our prayers, whether
this present world still detain them in the flesh, or
the world to come hath already received them divested
of their bodies, may, by the clemency of Thine own
goodness and the intercession of Thy saints, obtain
the remission of all their sins. Through Our Lord
496
Litanies
Jesus Christ, Who hveth and reigneth with Thee in
the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without
end.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously
hear us.
R. Amen.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through
the mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Xttanis Of tbe :fi3le06eD Sacrament ^
*T| loRD, have mercy on us.
t * ^ Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,^
God. the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Living Bread, that camest down from heaven,
Hidden God and Saviour,
Wheat of the elect,
Wine of which virgins are the fruit,
Bread of fatness and royal dainties,
Perpetual sacrifice.
Clean oblation.
Lamb without spot.
Most pure feast,
Food of angels,
^ For private devotion.
2 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
497
Hidden manna,^
Memorial of the wonders of God,
Supersubstantial bread,
Word made flesh, dwelHng in us,
Sacred Host,
ChaHce of benediction,
Mystery of Faith,
Most high and adorable Sacrament,
Most holy of all sacrifices.
True propitiation for the living and the dead,
Heavenly antidote against the poison of sin,
Most wonderful of all miracles.
Most holy commemoration of the Passion of Christ,
Special memorial of divine love,
Affluence of divine bounty.
Most august and holy mystery,
^Medicine of immortality.
Tremendous and life-giving Sacrament,
Bread made flesh by the omnipotence of the Word,
Unbloody sacrifice,
Sweetest banquet, at which angels minister,
Sacrament of piety,
Bond of charity.
Priest and victim,
Spiritual sweetness tasted in its proper source
Refreshment of holy souls,
Maticum of such as die in the Lord,
Pledge of future glory,
Be merciful. Spare us, O Lord,
Be merciful. Graciously hear us, 0 Lord,
From an unworthy reception of Thy body and blood, -
From the lust of the flesh,
From the lust of the eyes,
^ Have mercy on us.
2 0 Lord, deliver us.
498
Litanies
From the pride of life/
From every occasion of sin,
Through the desire wherewith Thou didst long to eat
this passover with Thy disciples,
Through that profound humility wherewith Thou
didst wash their feet,
Through that ardent charity whereby Thou didst in-
stitute this divine Sacrament,
Through Thy precious blood, which Thou hast left us
on our altars,
Through the five wounds of this Thy most holy body,
which Thou didst receive for us.
We sinners beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve and in-
crease our faith, reverence, and devotion toward
this admirable Sacrament,^
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to conduct us, through
a true confession of our sins, to a frequent reception
of the Holy Eucharist,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to deliver us from all
heresy, perfidy, and blindness of heart.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to impart to us the pre-
cious and heavenly fruits of this Most Holy Sacra-
ment,
That at the hour of death Thou wouldst strengthen
and defend us by this heavenly viaticum.
Son of God,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
1 0 Lord, deliver us.
2 We beseech Thee, hear us.
Litanies
499
F. Thou didst give them bread from heaven.
R, Containing in itself all sweetness.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who in this wonderful Sacrament has left us
a memorial of Thy passion, grant us the grace, we
beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy
Body and Blood, that we may constantly experience
within ourselves the blessed fruit of Thy redemption.
Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE INCREASE OE DAILY COMMUNION
O SWEETEST Jesus, who camest into this world to
give to all the life of thy grace, and who, to pre-
serve and sustain it, didst will to be the daily remedy
of our daily infirmities, and our daily food ; humbly
we pray Thee, by thy heart, all on fire with love of us,
to pour out thy Holy Spirit upon all, so that those
who are unhappily in mortal sin may be converted to
Thee, and recover the life or grace which they have
lost ; and those who by thy gift still live this divine
life may every day, when they are able, approach
devoutly to thy holy table, where, in daily communion
receiving every day the antidote to their daily venial
sins, and nourishing the life of grace in their hearts,
and purifying more and more their souls, they may
j come at last to the enjoyment with Thee of eternal
i beatitude. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X,
June 3, 1905.
500
Litanies
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
O VIRGIN Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament,
glory of the Christian people, joy of the uni-
versal Church, salvation of the world ; pray for us,
and awaken in all the faithful devotion to the Holy
Eucharist in order that they may render themselves
worthy to receive it daily.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time, — Pius X, Jan.
23, 1907.
Xitan^ of the ipasaioni
*T~J CRD, have mercy on us.
* ' ^ Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,^
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, the Eternal Wisdom,
Jesus, sold for thirty pieces of silver,
Jesus, prostrate on the ground in prayer,
Jesus, strengthened by an angel,
Jesus, in Thine agony bathed in a bloody sweat,
Jesus, betrayed by Judas with a kiss,
Jesus, bound by the soldiers,
Jesus, forsaken by Thy disciples,
Jesus, brought before Annas and Caiphas,
Jesus, struck in the face by a servant,
Jesus, accused by false witnesses,
Jesus, declared guilty of death,
Jesus, spat upon.
1 For private devotion.
2 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
Jesus, blindfolded/
Jesus, smitten on the cheek,
Jesus, thrice denied by Peter,
Jesus, delivered up to Pilate,
Jesus, despised and mocked by Herod,
Jesus, clothed in a white garment,
Jesus, rejected for Barabbas,
Jesus, torn with scourges,
Jesus, bruised for our sins,
Jesus, esteemed a leper,
Jesus, covered with a purple robe,
Jesus, crowned with thorns,
Jesus, struck with a reed upon the head,
Jesus, demanded for crucifixion by the Jews,
Jesus, condemned to an ignominious death,
Jesus, given up to the will of Thine enemies,
Jesus, loaded with the heavy weight of the cross,
Jesus, led like a sheep to the slaughter,
Jesus, stripped of Thy garments,
Jesus, fastened with nails to the cross,
Jesus, reviled by the malefactors,
Jesus, promising paradise to the penitent thief,
Jesus, commending St. John to Thy Mother as her
son,
Jesus, declaring Thyself forsaken by Thy Father,
Jesus, in Thy thirst given gall and vinegar to drink,
Jesus, testifying that all things written concerning
Thee were accomplished,
Jesus, commending Thy spirit into the hands of Thy
Father,
Jesus, obedient even to the death of the cross,
Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Jesus, made a propitiation for us,
Jesus, taken down from the cross,
1 Have mercy on us.
S02
Litanies
Jesus, laid in the sepulcher/
Jesus, rising gloriously from the dead,
Jesus, ascending into heaven,
Jesus, our advocate with the Father,
Jesus, sending down on Thy disciples the Holy Ghost,
the Paraclete,
Jesus, exalting Thy IMother above the choirs of angels,
Jesus, Who shalt come to judge the living and the dead,
Be merciful. Spare us, 0 Lord.
Be merciful. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil,'
From all sin,
From anger, hatred, and every evil will,
From war, famine, and pestilence.
From all dangers of mind and body.
From everlasting death,
Through Thy most pure conception.
Through Thy miraculous nativity.
Through Thy humble circumcision.
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting,
Through Thy labors and watchings.
Through Thy cruel scourging and crowning.
Through Thy thirst, and tears, and nakedness.
Through Thy precious death and cross,
Through Thy glorious resurrection and ascension.
Through Thy sending forth the Holy Ghost, the Para-
clete,
In the Day of Judgment,
We sinners beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,^
That Thou wouldst pardon us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us to true pen-
ance.
1 Have mercy on us. ^ Lord Jesus, deliver us.
3 We beseech Thee, hear us.
Litanies
503
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe mercifully to pour into
our hearts the grace of the Holy Spirit,^
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to defend and propagate
Thy holy Church,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve and increase
all societies assembled in Thy holy name,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bestow upon us true
peace,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give us perseverance
in grace and in Thy holy service,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to kindle in our hearts
that divine fire which consumes the saints and trans-
forms them into Thee,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to unite us to the com-
pany of Thy saints.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us, O Lord.
Christ, hear us ; Christ, graciously hear us.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee :
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed
the world.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be
born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected by
the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be
bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to the
slaughter ; who didst suffer Thyself to be shamelessly ex-
posed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod;
to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges
1 We beseech Thee, hear us.
S04
Litanies
and insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows,
defiled with spittings, to have Thy divine countenance
covered, to be struck with a reed, to be stripped of Thy
clothes, nailed to and raised high upon a cross between
two thieves, to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and then
pierced with a lance; do Thou, O Lord, by these most
sacred sufferings, which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to
contemplate, by Thy holy cross, and by Thy bitter death,
free me from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me
to Paradise, whither Thou didst lead the thief who was
crucified with Thee, my Jesus, who with the Father and
the Holy Ghost livest and reignest God forever and ever.
Amen. Pater, Ave, and Gloria five times.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius VII, Aug. 25,
1820.
%itm^ of tbc /llb06t Mol^ Ztlnit^^
*T loRD, have mercy.
-J— k Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Blessed Trinity, hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,^
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Father, from Whom are all things,
Son, through Whom are all things.
Holy Ghost, in Whom are all things,
Holy and undivided Trinity,
Father everlasting,
Only-begotten Son of the Father,
Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son,
1 For private devotion. From " The Golden Manual."
2 Have mercy on us.
Litanies
505
Co-eternal Majesty of Three Divine Persons/
Father the Creator,
Son the Redeemer,
Holy Ghost the Comforter,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts.
Who art. Who wast, and Who art to come,
God, Most High, who inhabitest eternity,
To Whom alone are due all honor and glory.
Power infinite.
Wisdom incomprehensible,
Love unspeakable.
Be merciful.
Spare us, 0 Holy Trinity.
Be merciful.
Graciously hear us, 0 Holy Trinity.
From all evil,^
From all sin.
From all pride.
From all love of riches.
From all uncleanness,
From all sloth,
From, all inordinate affection.
From all envy and malice.
From all anger and impatience.
From every thought, word, and deed, contrary to thy
holy law.
From Thy everlasting malediction,
Through Thy almighty power,
Through Thy loving-kindness,
Through the inexhaustible treasures of Thy goodness
and love.
Through the depths of Thy wisdom and knowledge,
Through all Thy unspeakable perfections.
We sinners, Beseech Thee, hear us.
^ Have mercy on us.
2 Deliver us, 0 Holy Trinity.
So6
Litanies
That we may ever serve Thee alone/
That we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth,
That we may love thee with all our heart, with all our
soul, and with all our strength,
That, for Thy sake we may love our neighbor as our-
selves,
That we may faithfully keep Thy holy commandments,
That we may never defile our bodies and our souls
with sin,
That we may go from grace to grace, and from virtue
to virtue.
That we may finally enjoy the sight of Thee in glory,
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to hear us,
O blessed Trinity,
We beseech Thee, deliver us.
O blessed Trinity,
We beseech Thee, save us.
O blessed Trinity,
Have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of
heaven.
R. And worthy to be praised and magnified for-
ever.
Let us pray
LMiGHTY and everlasting God, Who hast given to
Thy servants, in the confession of the true faith,
to bear witness to the glory of the Eternal Trinity,
and in the power of Majesty to adore the Unity;
grant, we beseech Thee, that, by steadfastness in this
1 We beseech Thee, hear us.
Litanies
507
faith, we may ever be defended from all adversities.
Through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
%itm^ of tbe ©bost^
!ord, have mercy on us.
r-L-* Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on
us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Come, Holy Spirit, send down from heaven the rays
of Thy divine Hght.
Come, Thou who art the Father of the poor, the author of
all good gifts, and the light of our hearts.
Come Thou, the best of comforters, the sweet guest,
and sweetest refreshment of our souls.
The rest of our labors, the ruler of our passions, the com-
forter of our tears.
O blessed Light, come, penetrate the very center of the
hearts of the faithful.
Without Thy grace what can man do? How can he
guiltless he?
Wash, therefore, Lord, our polluted souls, water our
barren clay, and heal our wounds.
Soften our stubborn wills, inflame our tepid hearts, and
guide our wandering steps.
Grant to Thy faithful, who trust in Thee, the treasure
of Thy sevenfold gift.
For private devotion.
5o8
Litanies
Grant us a virtuous life, a happy death y and a happy
eternity.
Send, then, O God, we beseech Thee, the Holy Ghost
into our hearts ; and by His sacred presence and
Almighty power, may He banish from thence the
spirit of the world, and of a disorderly life/
The spirit of sloth, of self-love, and of the love of ease,
The spirit of hatred and contention,
The spirit of intemperance and impurity,
The spirit of pride and vanity,
The spirit of envy and contention,
The spirit of detraction, calumny, and uncharitable-
ness,
The spirit of dissembhng, flattering, and lying.
The spirit of revenge, passion, and impatience.
The spirit of incredulity and profaneness.
The spirit of immoderate solicitude and worldly care,
The spirit of tepidity and impiety.
The spirit of prodigality and covetousness,
The spirit of frivoHty and inconstancy.
And may He give us the spirit of universal charity,
by which we may love God above all things, and
our neighbors as ourselves,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
F. Create in us a clean heart, 0 God.
R. And renew a right spirit within us.
V, Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be cre-
ated.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
^ We beseech Thee, hear us.
Litanies
Let us pray
OGoD, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Spirit ; grant that, by the gift of the
same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice
in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
INDULGENCED PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
OHOLY Spirit, divine Spirit of light and love, I con-
secrate to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my
whole being for time and for eternity. May my under-
standing be always submissive to thy heavenly inspirations,
and to the teachings of the Catholic Church, of which Thou
art the infallible Guide ; may my heart be ever inflamed with
love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever
conformed to the divine Will, and may my whole life be a
faithful imitation of the Hfe and virtues of Our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and
Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, June 5, 1908.
Xttani5 ot tbe %ovc ot (BoD^
{Composed by His Holiness Pope Pius VI)
*T~JoRD, have mercy on us.
r-L- * Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Thou Who art Infinite Love,^
1 For private devotion. 2 j love Thee, O my God.
Litanies
Thou Who didst first love me/
Thou Who commandest me to love Thee,
With all my heart,
With all my soul,
With all my mind,
With all my strength,
Above all possessions and honors,
Above all pleasures and enjoyments.
More than myself, and everything belonging to me,
More than all my relatives and friends.
More than all men and angels,
Above all created things in heaven or on earth,
Only for Thyself,
Because Thou art the sovereign Good,
Because Thou art infinitely worthy of being loved.
Because Thou art infinitely perfect.
Even hadst Thou not promised me heaven,
Even hadst Thou not menaced me with hell,
Even shouldst Thou try me by want and misfortune.
In wealth and in poverty,
In prosperity and in adversity,
In health and in sickness,
In life and in death,
In time and in eternity.
In union with that love wherewith all the saints and
all the angels love Thee in heaven,
In union with that love wherewith the Blessed Virgin
Mary loveth Thee,
In union with that infinite love wherewith Thou
lovest Thyself eternally.
1 1 love Thee, O my God.
Litanies
Prayer
Y God, Who dost possess in incomprehensible abun-
dance all that is perfect and worthy of love ! Anni-
hilate in me all guilty, sensual, and undue love of creatures,
kindle in my heart the pure fire of Thy love, so that I may
love nothing but Thee or in Thee, until, being entirely con-
sumed by holy love of Thee, I may go to love Thee eternally
with the elect in heaven, the country of pure love. Amen.
Let us pray
OGoD, who hast prepared all good things for them that
love Thee ! pour into our hearts such a desire of Thy
love, that we, loving Thee in all and above all, may attain
Thy heavenly promises, which exceed all that we can desire.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgenced Prayer
OLORD Almighty, who permittest evil to draw good
therefrom, hear our humble prayers, and grant that
we remain faithful to Thee unto death. Grant us also,
through the intercession of most holy Mary, the strength
ever to conform ourselves to Thy most holy will.
Indulgence of loo days once a day. — Pius IX, June 15,
1862.
Fartous ©e&ottons
Ube /IDost Moll? Urintti?: ©ne (Bob
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
Ma^^ Sign of the Cross, ^ saying:
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
This sacred sign may be regarded as a compendium
of all the mysteries of our Faith, as a homage rendered
to the three Persons of the adorable Trinity, as an act
of gratitude for all that the Godhead — the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit — has condescended to
do in favor of man.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a brief, July 28,
1863, granted to all the faithful, every time that, with
at least contrite heart, they shall make the sign of the
cross, invoking at the same time the blessed Trinity
with the words : In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, an indulgence of 50 days.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a brief, March 23,
1876, granted to all the faithful, every time that, with
at least contrite heart, they shall make the sign of the
cross with holy water, pronouncing at the same time
the above-mentioned words : In the name of the Father,
etc., an indulgence of 100 days.
512
Various Devotions
513
E\)t €mtidt of tlje ^erapfjtm
Or
THE ANGELIC TRISAGTON
OLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts ! the
earth is full of Thy glory. Glory be to
the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to
the Holy Ghost.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day ; three times
every Sunday and during the octave of the festival
of the Most Holy Trinity. — Clement XIV, June 6,
1769.
^^rager fcr .Suntiag to tlje iSUsscti ^rmttg
O BLESSED Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the source and fountain of all good, I most
firmly believe in You, I most humbly adore You, and
thank You, with a grateful heart for all the blessings
and benefits I have received from Your infinite good-
ness. I most fervently consecrate and offer to
You an unreserved sacrifice of my whole being.
O my God, Who hast a right to every day, hour,
and moment of my existence, accept the thoughts,
words, and actions of this day, which I offer Thee in
testimony of my sincere desire to satisfy my obliga-
tion of keeping it holy and as the first-fruits of the
week ; mercifully assist me to spend it in such a
manner as may draw down Thy blessing. Increase
in my soul the heavenly virtues of faith, hope, and
charity, which I received at Baptism, and teach me
to make faith the rule of my conduct, that thereby
it may avail me to life everlasting. Eternal Father,
take possession of my memory; efface from it all
Various Devotions
images of vanity, and engrave therein the recollection
of Thy adorable presence. Eternal Son, enlighten
my understanding, and conduct me in the path of
salvation by the light of faith. Holy Spirit, sanctify
my will by the most ardent love ; render it submis-
sive under the contradictions of this life, and never
permit that by attachment to my own ideas or judg-
ment, I should forfeit the blessings of peace offered
to men of good will and obedient minds. Holy,
adorable, undivided Trinity, by Whose power, mercy,
and providence I was created, redeemed, regenerated,
and preserved to this moment, receive the oblation of
my whole being, and take me out of the world rather
than permit me to efface Your sacred image in my
soul by mortal sin. I adore You, O Holy Trinity, I
worship You, I most humbly give You thanks for
having revealed to man this glorious, this incompre-
hensible mystery, and for granting to those who per-
severe until death in the faithful profession of it, the
reward of beholding and enjoying in heaven what we
now believe and adore upon earth, one God in three
Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
ASPIRATION
LORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, thrice a day, for saying morn-
ing, noon, and evening, Gloria Patri thrice, in thanksgiving
to the Most Holy Trinity for the graces and privileges
granted to most holy Mary, especially in her glorious As-
sumption into heaven. — Pius VH, July ii, 1815.
Various Devotions
Zhc Ibolp Ghost
J^smn anti ^tqurnce of tfjr J^olg &\}o^t
HY^IN
VENi Creator Spiri-
tus,
Mentes tuorum vis-
ita,
Imple superna
gratia
Quae tu creasti
pectora.
Qui diceris Paracli-
tus,
Altissimi donum Dei,
Fons vivus, ignis, chari-
tas,
Et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis mu-
nere,
Digitus paternae dexterae
Tu rite promissum Pa-
tris,
Sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensi-
bus,
Infunde amorem cordi-
bus,
Infirma nostri corpo-
ris
Virtute firmans perpeti.
aOME, Holy Ghost, Cre-
ator, come,
From Thy bright, heav-
enly throne ;
Come, take possession of
our souls.
And make them all Thine
own.
Thou Who art called the
Paraclete,
Best gift of God above ;
The living spring, the liv-
ing fire.
Sweet unction and true
love.
Thou Who art sevenfold
in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His promise, teaching
little ones
To speak and understand.
Oh I guide our minds with
Thy blest light.
With love our hearts in-
flame ;
And with Thy strength,
which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Various Devotions
Hostem repellas lon-
gius,
Pacemque dones protinus :
Ductore sic Te prae-
vio,
Vitemus omne noxium.
Per Te sciamus da Pa-
trem
Noscamus atque Fi-
lium,
Teque utriusque Spiri-
tum
Credamus omni tempore.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
Et Filio, qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Para-
clito,
In Sceculorum saecula.
Amen.
VENT Sancte
Spiritus,
Et emitte coeli-
tus
Lucis tuae ra-
dium.
Veni pater paupe-
rum,
Veni dator mune-
rum,
Veni lumen cor-
dium.
Far from us drive our
hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring ;
And through all perils
lead us safe
Beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the
Father know,
Through Thee, th' eternal
Son,
And Thee, the Spirit of
them both —
Thrice-blessed Three in
one.
All glory to the Father be,
And to His risen Son,
The like to Thee, great
Paraclete.
While endless ages run.
Amen.
Come, Thou Father of the
poor !
Come, with treasures
which endure !
Come, Thou light of all
that live !
SEQUENCE
Tp^ OLY Spirit ! Lord of
r^h light!
From Thy clear celestial
height,
Thy pure, beaming ra-
diance give :
Various Devotions
Consolator optime,
Dulcis hospes animae,
Dulce refrige-
rium.
In labore re-
quies,
In aestu tempe-
ries,
In fletu solatium.
O lux beatis-
sima,
Reple cordis in-
tima
Tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo no-
mine
Nihil est in ho-
mine,
Nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sor-
didum
Riga quod est ari-
dum,
Sana quod est sau-
cium.
Flecte quod est rigi-
dum,
Fove quod est frigi-
dum,
Rege quod est de-
vium.
Thou, of all consolers best.
Visiting the troubled
breast,
Dost refreshing peace be-
stow :
Thou in toil art comfort
sweet ;
Pleasant coolness in the
heat ;
Solace in the midst of woe.
Light immortal ! light di-
vine !
Visit Thou these hearts of
Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
If Thou take Thy grace
away,
Nothing pure in man will
stay ;
All his good is turn'd to ill.
Heal our wounds — our
strength renew ;
On our dryness pour Thy
dew ;
Wash the stains of guilt
away :
Bend the stubborn heart
and will ;
Melt the frozen, warm the
^ chill ;
Guide the steps that go
astray.
5i8
Various Devotions
Da tuis fide-
libus
In Te confiten-
tibus
Sacrum septena-
rium.
Da virtu tis meri-
tum,
Da salutis exi-
tum,
Da perenne gau-
dium. Amen.
Thou, on those who ever-
more
Thee confess and Thee
adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts
descend.
Give them comfort when
they die ;
Give them hfe with Thee
on high;
Give them joys which
never end. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, each time for reciting either
the hymn or the sequence. — Pius \T, May 26, 1796.
MiTTE Spiritum
tuum et crea-
buntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem
terrae.
irager to tJje l^olg 61}0St
END forth Thy
Spirit, and they
shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt re-
new the face of the earth.
Oremus
^Tp|EUS, qui corda fide-
r-L' Hum Sancti Spiritus
illustratione docuisti, da
nobis in eodem Spiritu
recta sapere, et de ejus
semper consolatione gau-
dere. Per Christum Do-
minum nostrum. Amen.
Let us pray
God, Who hast taught
the hearts of the
faithful by the light of the
Holy Spirit ; grant that,
by the gift of the same
Spirit, wx may be always
truly wise, and ever re-
joice in His consolation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Various Devotions
519
Nflbena to tfje l^olg (&\}ost in i^rcparattan for tfje
JFeast of ^pentecost
{Commencing on Ascension Day)
HE novena of the Holy Spirit is the chief of all
the novenas, because it was the first that was
ever celebrated, and that by the holy apostles and
the most holy Mary in the supper room, being dis-
tinguished by so many remarkable wonders and gifts,
principally by the gift of the same Holy Spirit, a
gift merited for us by the Passion of Jesus Christ Him-
self. Jesus Himself made this known to us when
He said to His disciples that if He did not die, He
could not send us the Holy Ghost : If I go not, the
Paraclete will not come to you ; but if I go, I will
send Him to you " (John xvi. 7). We know well by
faith that the Holy Ghost is the love that the Father
and the Eternal Word bear one to the other; and
therefore the gift of love which the Lord infuses into
I our souls, and which is the greatest of all gifts, is par-
ticularly attributed to the Holy Ghost. As St. Paul
says, " The charity of God is poured forth in our
hearts by the Holy Ghost, Who is given to us " (Rom.
V. 5). In this novena, therefore, we must consider,
above all, the great value of divine love, in order that
we may desire to obtain it, and endeavor, by devout
exercises, and especially by prayer, to be made par-
takers of it, since God has promised it to him who
asks for it with humility: "Your Father from heaven
I will give the good Spirit to them that ask Him"
I (Luke xi. 13).
Pope Leo XIII, May 9, 1897, decreed that a novena
to the Holy Ghost should be made every year in prep-
aration for the feast of Pentecost and granted an in-
dulgence of seven years and seven quarantines for
520
Various Devotions
each day of the novena, and plenary indulgence any
one day of the no vena on the usual conditions. The
same indulgences may be gained any day of the week
between Pentecost and Trinity Sunday.
During this novena no particular form of prayer is of obligation.
Any prayer to the Holy Ghost will suffice.
Pragcr for tlje JFeast of ^lentecost
OHOLY Spirit, O my God, I adore Thee, and ac-
knowledge, here in Thy divine presence, that I
am nothing and can do nothing without Thee. Come,
great Paraclete, Thou father of the poor, Thou com-
forter the best, fulfil the promise of our blessed Sa-
viour, Who would not leave us orphans, and come into
the mind and the heart of Thy poor, unworthy crea-
ture, as Thou didst descend on the sacred day of Pente-
cost on the holy Mother of Jesus and on His first
disciples. Grant that I may participate in those
gifts which Thou didst communicate to them so
wonderfully, and with so much mercy and generosity.
Take from my heart whatever is not pleasing to Thee,
and make of it a worthy dwelling-place for Thyself.
Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the
things that are for my eternal good. Inflame my
heart with pure love of Thee, that it may be cleansed
from the dross of all inordinate attachments, and
that my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God.
Strengthen my will, that it may be made comform- !
able to Thy divine will, and be guided by Thy holy
inspirations. Aid me by Thy grace to practise the
divine lessons of humility, poverty, obedience, and
contempt of the world, which Jesus taught us in His
mortal life.
Oh, rend the heavens, and come down, consoling
Spirit ! that inspired and encouraged by Thee, I may
faithfully comply with the duties of my state, carry
Various Devotions
521
my daily cross most patiently, and endeavor to ac-
complish the divine will with the utmost perfection.
Spirit of love ! Spirit of purity ! Spirit of peace !
Sanctify my soul more and more, and give me that
heavenly peace which the world can not give. Bless
our Holy Father, the Pope, bless the Church, bless
our bishops, our priests, all Rehgious Orders, our
relatives, friends, benefactors, and all the faithful,
that they may be filled with the spirit of Christ, and
labor earnestly for the spread of His kingdom.
O Holy Spirit, Thou Giver of every good and per-
fect gift, grant me, I beseech Thee, the intentions of
this novena. May Thy will be done in me and
through me. Mayst Thou be praised and glorified
for evermore ! Amen.
Prager to tfjc i^ols ^Spirit for tije (Ifjurcfj
OHOLY Spirit, Creator, be propitious to the Catho-
lic Church; and by thy heavenly power make
it strong and secure against the attacks of its enemies ;
and renew in charity and grace the spirit of thy serv-
ants, whom Thou hast anointed, that they may
glorify Thee and the Father and his only begotten
Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Aug. 26, 1889.
SHORT INDULGENCED PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST
Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, come into our hearts ;
shed the brightness of Thy light on all nations, that
they may be one in faith and pleasing to Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
July 31, 1897.
522
Various Devotions
J^ragers for Uisits to tfje Bksseti $acrament, for tije
J^our of 'Elioratton, for tfje JFirst JFrttias of
tfjc fHont!}, anti for tfje JFortg
J^ours' lEiposttton
^ct of <Etioration, ^ijanksgibmg, i^eparation, anU
Supplication
In my moments before the tabernacle I will try to
obey the pious counsels contained in the Latin distich :
^'Crede, dole, spera, grates age, dilige, adora,
Vulnera pande animae, donaque sancta pete."
Believe, and grieve, and hope; thank, love, adore.
Show your soul's wounds, and holy gifts implore.
'T^ELIEVING all that Thou, my God, hast in
^^""^ any way revealed to us — grieving for
all my sins, offenses, and negligences — hop-
ing in Thee, O Lord, Who wilt never let me
be confounded — thanking Thee for this
supreme gift, and for all the gifts of Thy
goodness — loving Thee, above all in this
sacrament of Thy love — adoring Thee in
this deepest mystery of Thy condescension :
I lay before Thee all the wounds and wants
of my poor soul, and ask for all that I need
and desire. But I need only Thyself, O Lord ;
I desire none but Thee — Thy grace, and the
grace to use well thy graces, the possession of
Thee by grace in this life, and the possession
V arious Devotions
523
of Thee forever in the eternal kingdom of
Thy glory. Thus, day by day. especially dur-
ing my moments before the tabernacle. I will
Believe, and grieve, and hope; thank, love,
adore.
Show my soul's wounds, and holy gifts implore.
— Father Russell, SJ.
*Y5)ERE EYM-AJRD is sometimes called the Apostle of the
JL Holy Eucharist, because he was in recent times the
foremost propagator of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
He is the founder of the Society of Priests kno^m as The
Fathers of the Blessed Saerament, who have in their houses
perpetual exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacra-
ment. Affiliated to this society are: The Priests' Eii-
charistic League and The People's Eueharistic League.
Pere Eymard systematized the devotion to the Holy
Eucharist, and made popular the '"Hour of Adoration.""
to the practice of vrhich indulgences are attached. r)ne
of the methods for keeping the Hour of Adoration, recom-
mended and explained by Pere Eymard. in his beautiful
work "'La Presence Reele is that which corresponds to the
four ends of sjcr:~re. The Hour of Adoration is divided
into four parts. During each quarter of an hour we are
to honor Our Lord by one of the four ends of sacrifice, i.e.,
by Adoratioti. Tha-nksgiiing. Reparatiofi. and SuppUratioji.
Pere Eymard was born at La Mure dlsere. France, on
February 4. 181 1. and died in the odor of sanctity, worn
out with his zealous labors, in 1S68.
^iasrfial iSaglon, ^iattDu 5aint of lEur-haristk
ST. PASCHAL BAYLOX. whom Popc Leo XIH proclaimed
in iSq7 the patron of Eueharistic Congresses, was born
on Easter, or Paschal Sunday, in 1540, at Torre Hermosa, a
524
Various Devotions
little village of the old kingdom of Aragon, Spain. He was
a simple lay brother of the Franciscan Order, distinguished
by an extraordinary devotion to the sacred and living
Mystery of the Altar.
While still in the world, he never suffered a day to pass
without visiting, when possible, Jesus in the tabernacle,
and later as a Religious, he was accustomed to spend hours
at the foot of the altar, where he was often raised from the
ground in the fervor of his prayer.
On Whitsunday, 1592, our saint, with a peaceful smile
upon his countenance, was called to his heavenly reward.
On the occasion of his funeral, and after his interment,
many miracles occurred which attested his uncommon
devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
d^ffedng of tlft l^olg Igcur
Y most sweet Jesus, I desire during this hour to
^' watch" with Thee, and by the love of my poor
heart to console Thee for the bitter sorrow which over- 1
whelmed Thee in the Garden of Gethsemane. I desire to j
forget myself and all that concerns me excepting my sins,
the foresight of which caused Thee so much suffering in
Thine Agony, and as I was a cause of sorrow to Thee then,
so now I desire to be to Thee a consolation. ... I offer
Thee, moreover, this hour of prayer and reparation for the
triumph of the Church, for the conversion of souls and of
nations, and for every other intention for which Thou didst
pray, sweat blood, endure Thy agony, and accept Thy
bitter Passion and Death. Angel of the Agony, help me
so to pass this Holy Hour that I may console the Heart of
my Jesus and promote His interests throughout the world.
— From " The Voice of the Sacred Heart."
©oti's ILobe for
*^^HERE is no aspect of God's love for us which ought to
V£) affect our hearts more tenderly than the m^ere fact of
His wishing to be loved by us; and there is no manifesta- |
tion of that tenderness of the Sacred Heart more touching i
Various Devotions
52s
than the yearning to be remembered, expressed at many
times and in many ways, but especially in the eucharistic
Do this in conunemoration of Me, which becomes at the
altar even more simple and affecting. In Mei ynemoriam
facietis — ''In memory of Me." When such infinite and
utterly incomprehensible love as this has Omnipotence for
the instrument of its behests, how can any poor little crea-
ture of God — whose sole dignity is that he has a heart to
love Him — how can he presume for one moment to discuss
the limits of the possibihties of the divine condescension ?
— Father Russell, S.J.
JJorgrt fHr Not
BORGET ]Me not I upon the silent Altar !
They pass ]\Ie by and leave 3Je all alone;
They've love enough for all, for every other,
For Me, their God — their hearts are cold as stone.
Forget Me not I for oh ! I'm ever waiting
For friends who will My bitter wrongs atone :
Forget ]Me not I for I am ever craving
Devoted hearts who'll make My woes their own.
Forget Me not when desolation tempts thee
To plunge into the world's tempestuous sea ;
Remember how the sin-laden and weary
]\Iy heart invited, saying: ''Come to
Forget not, lest one day I thus reproach thee :
"]Vhe}i I came In thou gavest Me no kiss,^^
And oh 1 no thought in bitterness can equal
The self-reproachful agony of this.
Forget not in the weariness of sorrow,
There is a Home for Thee — thy Saviour's breast ;
Be comforted — the day is ever nearing
When there thou'lt find thy long — thy endless rest.
— " Voice of the Sacred Heart."
526
Various Devotions
% ^Prasex for a Ftstt tn tlje W,mt^ Sacrament
(Including all the Acts Recommended)
Y Lord and my God, I firmly believe that Thou art
really present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar. I adore Thee beneath the eucharistic veil which
Thou hast mercifully chosen in order to approach us.
Permit me, O dearest Jesus, to render Thee my ho^nage
together with the angels who surround Thy altar-throne.
I believe that Thou dwellest on our altars, not only to re-
ceive our humble adoration, but also to be the food of our
souls, our sacrifice, our light in darkness, our counsel in
doubt, our consolation in affliction, our strength in tempta-
tion, our friend in every need, our teacher in the school of
perfection, our model in the way of sanctity and salvation.
I am, indeed, a poor sinner, but I hope in that boundless
mercy which detains Thee a prisoner of love in the taber-
nacle. I come to Thee with a contrite heart, and I beg Thy
pardon and mercy. Thou art truly called the " Lover of
souls," for Thou hast sacrificed Thy life for our salvation ;
Thou hast said : ^' My delights are to be with the children
of men " ; and Thy death-bed gift to us was the Holy
Eucharist. I behold the tabernacle surmounted by a cross,
and this reminds me, dear Lord and Saviour, that the
Blessed Sacrament is a memorial of Thy Passion and Death.
I love that infinite goodness which induced Thee to institute
this Holy Sacrament of the Altar, the grandest memorial of
all Thy works, wherein Thou dost communicate Thyself so
wonderfully to Thy creatures. I thank Thee for this sub-
lime proof of Thy love, and ardently wish that I could
worthily acknowledge all the blessings that I have ever re-
ceived from this fountain of grace and mercy. I sincerely
regret that this precious pledge of Thy love is received by
so many Christians with coldness and indift'erence. I wish
to make amends for my own ingratitude, and heartfelt
atonement for all those sinful acts of my Hfe, by which I
have wounded Thy sacred Heart. I offer Thee my pro-
found adoration, my sorrow, and my love, to appease and to
Various Devotions
527
rejoice, as much as I can, Thy sacred Heart in this sacra-
ment of love and to make reparation for all the acts of
irreverence and profanation, which have been committed
against Thee. I love Thee with my whole soul ; I acknowl-
edge Thee as my only Master ; I offer Thee all that I have,
and all that I am. Jesus ! I give Thee my heart with all
its affections ; I give Thee my soul with all its powers ;
I give Thee my body with all its senses. Jesus ! I con-
secrate myself entirely to Thee ; I wish to live and labor
and suffer for the love of Thee. I abandon myself to Thee.
Give me but Thy love and Thy grace; I will ask for nothing
more. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done ! I desire to
adore and love Thee now, not only to supply the defect of
those Catholics who do not adore and love Thee, but also
for the conversion of heretics, schismatics, atheists, blas-
phemers, Jews, and idolaters. 0 silent dweller in the taber-
nacle, Thou art, indeed, a hidden God ! here Thou art still
the victim of the cross ! As I gaze upon the sacred Host,
T recall that pathetic word of Thine, O Lord, at the Last
Supper : "Do this in commemoration of Me " — " Remem-
ber Me ! " Yes, the Blessed Sacrament is a memorial of
the ''Man of Sorrou^s,^' a memorial of the greatest pain a
creature on earth ever endured, a memorial of the most
tender, most constant, most unselfish, and most heroic love
the world shall ever know — the last sweet gift of a heart
that fears to be forgotten. Oh, yes 1 Lord, I shall remem-
ber Thee. How could I forget Thy love, dearest Jesus !
Mayest Thou be known, adored, and loved by all, and may
thanks and praise for evermore be given to Thee in the most
holy and most adorable sacrament. Amen.
iSraset nf ^Ipfjonsus Htgtiori for a Yi%it tn tfje
33IessEti ^acram^nt
' I joRD Jesus Christ, Who, through the love which Thou
fl — A bearest to men, dost remain with them day and
night in this Sacrament, full of mercy and of love, expecting,
inviting, and receiving all who come to visit Thee, I believe
that Thou art present in the Sacrament of the Altar. From
528
Various Devotions
the abyss of m}^ nothingness I adore Thee, and I thank
Thee for all the favors which Thou hast bestowed upon me,
particularly for having given me Thyself in this sacrament,
for having given me for my advocate Thy m^ost holy
Mother, Mary, and for having called me to visit Thee in
this church.
I this day salute Thy most loving Heart, and I wish to
salute it for three ends : first in thanksgiving for this great
gift ; secondly, in compensation for all the injuries Thou
hast received from Thy enemies in this sacrament ; thirdly,
to adore Thee in all places in which Thou art least honored
and most abandoned in the Holy Sacrament. My Jesus,
I love Thee with my whole heart. I am sorry for having
hitherto offended Thy infinite goodness. I purpose, with
the assistance of Thy grace, never more to offend Thee ;
and, at this moment, miserable as I am, I consecrate my
whole being to Thee. I give Thee my entire will, all my
affections and desires and all that I have. From this day
forward, do what Thou wilt with me, and with whatever
belongs to me. I ask and desire only Thy holy love, the
gift of final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment
of Thy will. I recommend to Thee the souls in purgatory,
particularly those who were most devoted to the Blessed
Sacrament and to most holy Mary ; and I also recommend
to Thee all poor sinners. Finally, my dear Saviour, I unite
all my affections with the affections of Thy most loving
Heart ; and, thus united, I offer them to Thy eternal
Father, and I entreat Him, in Thy name, and for Thy sake,
to accept them.
Indulgence of 300 days when said before the Blessed
Sacrament. — Pius IX, Sept. 7, 1854.
EJACULATIONS
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment be praised, adored, and loved with grateful
affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the
world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX, Feb. 29, 1868.
Various Devotions
529
O Sacrament most Holy ! O Sacrament divine !
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine !
Indulgence of 100 davs, once a day. — Pius VII, Dec. 7,
1819.
^ ^Irager f0r tlcft f^olg l^our or for ang Yisii to
tlje Blrsscti Sacrament
EJACULATION
0 Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.
Prayer
O Jesus, humbly kneeling in Thy presence and united
with all the faithful on earth and all the saints in
heaven, I adore Thee, true God and true man, here present
in the Holy Eucharist. Grateful even to the very depths of
my soul, I love Thee with my whole heart, O Jesus, Who art
infinitely perfect and infinitely amiable. Enrich me with
Thy grace, so that I shall never in any way offend Thee ;
and thus strengthened here on earth by Thy Eucharistic
presence may I merit to enjoy with Mary Thy eternal and
blessed presence in heaven. Amen.
An indulgence of 100 days each time this ejaculation is
said, and an indulgence of 300 days on any day of the year
may be gained by all the faithful who devoutly recite this
prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. — Acta
ApostoliccB Sedis, x\pril, 1909. Vide " The Ecclesiastical
Review Year Book" for 1911, p. 134.
ILitans 0^ ISlesseti 3ulta IBilltart
(Foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of
Notre Dame)
EORD, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
530
Various Devotions
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God; pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Blessed JuHa, pray for us.
Blessed Julia, faithful disciple of the Heart of Jesus, pray
for us.
PRAYER TO BLESSED JULIA
OGoD, Who didst will that the unconquered love of
Thy holy Cross should inspire Blessed Julia to en-
rich Thy Church with a new family for the education of the
daughters of the poor : grant, through her intercession, that
steadfast endurance of suffering may obtain for us everlast-
ing joy. Who livest and reignest one God, world without
end. Amen.
ANOTHER PRAYER TO BLESSED JULIA
O WONDERFUL model of holiness. Blessed Julia, with
humihty and confidence we come to beg thy powerful
intercession and thy continual protection. Inflame our
hearts with one spark of that divine fire which entirely con-
sumed thee with love of God and zeal for the salvation of
souls : deign in thy goodness to cast on us a look of pity, and
obtain for us that, despising earthly things, we may set our
affections and desires only on eternal goods. Obtain for us
also the forgiveness of our sins, that with pure hearts we
may repeat those words so continually on thy lips : How
good is the good God ! " Obtain for us also patience in our
trials, constancy in our good resolutions, and perseverance
in grace, so that we may pass our lives in perfect conformity
with the divine will, and that, overcoming the wiles of the
devil, the attractions of the world, and our evil inclinations,
we may merit to enjoy eternal glory with thee in heaven.
Amen.
Various Devotions
i^ragtr to JSlrsscti fHatifkme ^Dpfjie ISarat
(Foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)
BLESSED ^Madeleine Sophie, wonderfully chosen by God
to make the divine Heart of Jesus known and loved,
and ever faithful to that apostolate, accept this day our
confidence and prayers in proof of our allegiance. Look
upon us kindly and come to our assistance by thy inter-
cession before the throne of the Most High. Guide us in
the path of meekness and humility : set our hearts on fire
with that zeal with which thine own was devoured : pro-
tect us, that we may deserve to see our names written in
that most sacred Heart, and to make in it alone our home
for time and for eternity. .-Vmen.
PRAYER IX HONOR OF BLESSED MADELEINE SOPHIE
Fro7n the Roman Missal
*T — 'ORD Jesus Christ, Who didst wonderfully grace Blessed
J J ^Madeleine Sophie with humility and love after the
model of Thy sacred Heart, and didst will that a new com-
pany of virgins should flower forth through her : make us
cling ever to Thy most sacred Heart, and by our imitation
of the same find our joy in becoming Thy companions :
Who livest and reignest one God, forever and ever. Amen.
iietttinns of St. ^ujgustme
*n| 'ORD Jesus, let me know myself, let me know Thee,
Ji A And desire nothing else but Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee,
And do all things for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself and exalt Thee,
x\nd think of nothing else but Thee.
Let me die to myself and live in Thee,
And take whatever happens as coming from Thee.
Let me forsake myself and walk after Thee,
532
Various Devotions
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me flee from myself, and turn to Thee,
That so I may merit to be defended by Thee.
Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee,
And be amongst those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself, and trust in Thee,
And ever obey for the love of Thee.
Let me cleave to nothing but only to Thee,
And ever be poor for the sake of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee.
Call me, that I may see Thee
And forever possess Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Sept.
25, 1883.
ANOTHER VERSION OF ST. AUGUSTINE's PETITIONS
Horli Jesus, malte me knoiu ^l)ee ^
— ' ORD Jesus, make me know Thee,
, i ^ Make me myself to know !
Be Thou my only longing.
Thou only here below.
May I, my vile self hating,
Love Thee, do all for Thee !
May I be duly humbled.
And Thou exalted be !
I'll think of naught beside Thee ;
Die to myself, and live
For Thee, dear Lord ! accepting
Whatever Thou mayst give.
Myself I'll spurn and trample,
And follow close to Thee —
To follow Thee, to reach Thee,
My sole desire shall be.
Flying from self, oh ! let me
1 The Petitions of St. Augustine. Translated by the Rev. Mat-
thew Russell, S.J., in the " Sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament."
Various Devotions
Fly far and fast to Thee,
That by Thine arm defended
I may deserve to be !
Fearful of mine own weakness,
Thee let me fear, that I
May cease to fear forever
Mid Thy elect on high.
Distrusting self and placing
All trust, dear Lord I in Thee —
For sake of Thee obedient,
Caring for naught but Thee,
Poor for Thy sake, O Jesus I
Look on me, that I may
Love Thee, dear Lord, and serve Thee
More perfectly each day.
Call me and make me hear Thee !
Oh ! call me to Thy breast.
To see Thee, and enjoy Thee,
And be forever blest !
Eucfjattsttc ISs^n of 5>L ^fjamas Aquinas
(Adoro Te Devote)
roDEN God, devoutly I adore Thee,
Truly present underneath these veils :
All my heart subdues itself before Thee,
Since it all before Thee faints and fails.
Not to sight, or taste, or touch be credit ;
Hearing only do we trust secure ;
I believe, for God the Son hath said it —
Word of Truth that ever shall endure.
On the cross was veiled Thy Godhead's splendor,
Here Thy manhood lieth hidden too ;
Unto both alike my faith I render,
And as sued the contrite thief, I sue.
534
V arious Devotions
Though I look not on Thy wounds with Thomas,
Thee, my Lord, and Thee, my God I call :
Make me more and more believe Thy promise,
Hope in Thee, and love Thee over all.
^ O memorial of my Saviour dying.
Living Bread that givest life to man ;
May my soul, its life from Thee supplying,
Taste Thy sweetness, as on earth it can.
Deign, O Jesus, Pehcan of heaven,
Me, a sinner, in Thy blood to lave,
To a single drop of which is given
All the world from all its sin to save.
Contemplating, Lord, Thy hidden presence,
Grant me what I thirst for and implore.
In the revelation of Thine essence
To behold Thy glory evermore.
(Judge O'Hagan's translation. Vide Father Russell's
Communion Day.")
Ci^e Crninn or (Ei^apl^t of ti^e JSlesstti Sacrament
V. Deus, in adjutorium V . O God, come to my
meum intende. assistance.
R. Domine, ad adjuvan- R. O Lord, make haste
dum me festina. to help me.
Our Father, Glory be to the Father.
The chaplet consists of thirty-three aspirations, which
may be used during the hour of adoration before the Blessed
Sacrament. After each aspiration may be added an Our
Father, and at the end of each decade a Glory be to the
Father.
Various Devotions
535
JFtrst Qrcatic
ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY
Faith: I.
I BELIEVE, 0 my Jesus, Thy divine Word, that under
this appearance of bread. Thou Thyseh* art here
present as Thou art in heaven.
Our Father.
II. I believe that Thou art the divine Son, eternally
equal to the Father; that by the operation of the
Holy Ghost Thou didst take human flesh of the Blessed
Virgin.
Our Father.
III. I believe that Thou art the same Jesus, who wast
born of ]\Iary, ever virgin, adored an Infant by Thy angels,
by the shepherds, and the magi.
Our Father.
IV. I believe, O my Redeemer, here present in the sacra-
ment, that Thou art the same Jesus of Xazareth Who didst
heal the sick, and didst raise the dead. Who for us didst
suffer and die upon the cross.
Our Father.
V. I believe, finally, that Thou Thyself, now sitting
glorious at the right hand of Thy Father in heaven, and
there interceding for me, yet art verily present in this
sacrament, my nourishment on earth.
Our Father.
Hope: VI. O most loving Jesus, Who in this sacrament
hast left me a pledge of future glory, I hope through the
merits of Thy Death and Passion to behold Thee face to
: face in heaven.
Our Father.
I VII. 0 Jesus, cause of our glorious resurrection, I hope,
; through the virtue of this divine food, wherewith Thou
nourishest me, to rise glorious into life eternal.
Our Father.
Love: VIII. I love Thee, O Jesus, Who art perfect
( charity ; Who, in Thy essence, art true God and true man :
536
Various Devotions
in Whom are contained the treasures of the divinity, and
all the fulness of grace, which descends to us upon this
earth.
Our Father.
IX. I love Thee, dear Jesus, Who, for love of me, hast
made Thyself like unto me ; kindle within me the flame of
sacred love which Thou didst bring from heaven, that,
loving Thee, I may grow into Thy likeness.
Our Father.
X. I love Thee, 0 divine Jesus, my Lord and ^Master,
because Thou hast redeemed and freed me, poor slave of
sin, with Thy all-precious blood. Oh, of Thy sweet mercy,
grant that I may enjoy the full fruit of Thy redemption.
Our Father.
ACTS OF ADORATION
I.
I ADORE Thee, O hving Bread, descended from heaven
for my spiritual food ; give me grace worthily to re-
ceive Thee in life and in death.
Our Father.
II. I adore Thee, divine food of the strong; strengthen
my weakness, that I may ever be constant and faithful to
Thy love.
Our Father.
III. I adore Thee, O my Jesus, hidden beneath the sac-
ramental veil ; let my life be hidden, through Thee, in God ;
Our Father.
IV. I adore Thee, great God, Who art the only way;
make me ever to walk in the path of Thy precepts, and after
Thy shining example, that so I may arrive at eternal sal-
vation.
Our Father.
V. I adore Thee, O Jesus, true and spiritual Hfe of all
who love Thee ; give me grace to die to myself, and to live to
Thee alone, Who didst die for the love of me.
Various Devotions
537
Our Father.
VI. I adore Thee, my dear Redeemer, Truth ineffable ;
enliven, I beseech Thee, and increase my faith, that it may
be fruitful in good works.
Our Father.
VII. I adore Thee, O Jesus, divine Light of the world;
illuminate my mind, that, knowing, I may love Thee, and
may come to enjoy Thee eternally in heaven.
Our Father.
VIII. I adore Thee, divine and loving Shepherd ; draw
to Thyself this wounded sheep, that it may never more
leave Thy fold, to fall into the hands of the infernal wolf.
Our Father.
IX. I adore Thee, divine Lamb, Who, for the sins of
the world, didst give Thyself to be slain ; grant that I may
bear all my sufferings patiently for Thy sake, in satisfac-
tion for my sins.
Our Father.
X. I adore Thee, O Jesus, King of glory, Judge of the
living and the dead ; make me on earth so to fear Thy
justice, that in heaven I may eternally sing Thy mercy.
Our Father.
ACTS OF THANKSGIVING
1.
I THANK Thee, 0 divine Redeemer, that, not content
with having for our sakes come upon the earth. Thou
hast instituted this adorable sacrament, that therein Thou
mightest remain with us unto the consummation of the
world.
Our Father.
II. I thank Thee, O glorious Jesus, that Thou dost veil,
beneath the eucharistic species, Thy infinite majesty and
beauty, which Thy angels delight to behold, that so I might
have courage to approach the throne of Thy mercy.
Our Father.
III. I thank Thee, 0 Jesus most loving, that, having
538
Various Devotions
made Thyself my food, Thou descendest upon this tongue,
which so often has offended Thee, and dost enter within
this body, which alas ! has too often deserved to be visited
with Thy anger.
Our Father.
IV. I thank Thee, my dear Saviour, that in this inef-
fable sacrament Thou unitest me to Thee with so much
love, that I therein Hve in Thee, and Thou in me.
Our Father.
V. I thank Thee, O my Jesus, that, giving Thyself to
me in this Blessed Sacrament, Thou hast so enriched it with
the treasures of Thy love, that Thou hast not greater
gift to give me.
Our Father.
VI. I thank Thee, O my good Jesus, that not only Thou
art become my food, but also in this Blessed Sacrament
offerest Thyself a continual sacrifice for my salvation, to
Thy eternal Father.
Our Father.
VII. I thank Thee, divine Priest, for this great boon
that thou dost sacrifice Thyself daily upon our altars, in
adoration and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity, and
dost supply for our poor and miserable adorations.
Our Father.
VIII. I thank Thee, O my Saviour, because, renewing
in this daily sacrifice the very sacrifice of the cross oft'ered
on Calvary, Thou dost satisfy Divine Justice for us mis-
erable sinners.
Our Father.
IX. I thank Thee, dear Jesus, that Thou hast become
the priceless Victim, to merit for me the fulness of celestial
favors. Awaken in me such trust, that their abundance
may ever more and more descend upon my soul.
Our Father.
X. I thank Thee, my loving Saviour, that thou art im-
molated in thanksgiving to God, for all His benefits, spiri-
tual and temporal, which He has bestowed upon me.
Through Thee I hope to receive the grace of perseverance,
the grace of a holy death and of a happy eternity.
Our Father.
Various Devotions
539
Wtjxtt final 'Esptrations
I.
Esus, invisible and divine head of Thy spouse the
Church, Who, with Thy blood, hast purified and sancti-
fied her, have mercy upon her visible head, X., upon all
bishops and pastors, especially N., our bishop, and shed
upon them Thy Holy Spirit, wherewith Thy apostles and
disciples were filled, that they may maintain Thy holy
faith pure and untouched, and may spread over the whole
world the light of Thy gospel and of Thy Cathohc truth.
Our Father.
^ 11. O Jesus, King of kings, Lord of lords, by Whom
monarchs do reign, and from Whom all earthly power
comes, mercifully behold our princes, and those in au-
thority; infuse within them the spirit of Thy divine wis-
dom, clemency, and justice, so that they may be great with
Thee rather than on earth, and may enter with Thee into
Thy heavenly kingdom.
Our Father.
III. O Jesus, all merciful, Who didst not will the death
of a sinner, but that he should be converted, and rise to
a spiritual life ; triumph, I beseech Thee, over the malice
and hardness of all who obstinately offend Thee, so that,
acquiring Thy grace in this world, they may become worthy
of the glory of Thy heavenly paradise for all eternity.
Our Father. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to
the Holy Ghost.
iiicus Ejamlattnns
AY the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affec-
tion, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world,
even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX, Feb.
29, 1868.
S40
Various Devotions
O SACRAMENT most holy ! O Sacrament divine !
AH praise and all thanksgiving be everv moment
Thine !
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius VI, May
24, 1776.
Heart of Jesus burning with love for us, inflame our
hearts with love of Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, June
16, 1893.
3lct0 in ti}z Presence of tf}e Wzm^ Sacrament
^ct of lattfj
O JESUS ! my Lord, my God, and my all ! I believe
that Thou art in Thy living manhood as truly present
here in the Blessed Sacrament as when Thou didst walk
amidst men, and converse with them. Relying on Thy
word, which shall not pass away, I believe that Thou art
here, ever living to make intercession for us. Here is Thy
sacred body, which hung upon the cross ; here is Thy soul,
which was sorrowful unto death and agonized in the Garden
of Olives on account of my sins; here are those sacred
wounds made by the nails and spear ; here are those eyes
which looked with pity and love on the penitent Peter,
now gazing into my heart, now raised to plead for me with
the heavenly Father ; here are those ears, which heard the
cruel cry of the Jews, "Crucify Him," which listened so
compassionately to all the ills of men, and which now are
listening to me.
Lord, I believe that here on the altar Thy wounded
Heart is beating for love of me, and I recall Thy blessed
words : ''My Heart is so consumed with love for men, that
it can no longer restrain the flames of its charity." Sweet
words of Thine, O blessed Saviour ! I believe that they are
true, and true as regards myself. — Father Ramiere, S.J.
Various Devotions
541
^ct of l^ope anti ConftUence in 6o^^
Y God , I believe most firmly that Thou \yatchest over
all who hope in Thee, and that we can want for
nothing when we rely upon Thee in all things ; therefore I
am resolved for the future to have no anxieties, and to cast
all my cares upon Thee. ^^In peace in the self -same I will
sleep and I will rest; for Thou, 0 Lord, singularly hast
settled me in hope J'
Men may deprive me of worldly goods and of honors ;
sickness may take from me my strength and the m_eans of
serving Thee ; I may even lose Thy grace by sin ; but my
trust shall never leave me. I will preserve it to the last
moment of my life, and the powers of hell shall seek in vain
to wrest it from me. "In peace in the self -same I will sleep
and I will rest.^^
Let others seek happiness in their wealth, in their talents ;
let them trust to the purity of their lives, the severity of
their mortifications, to the number of their good works,
the fervor of their prayers ; as for me, O my God, in my
very confidence lies all my hope. ''For Thou, 0 Lord,
singularly hast settled me in hope.^' This confidence can
never be vain. "No one has hoped in the Lord and has been
confounded.'"
I am assured, therefore, of my eternal happiness, for I
firmly hope for it, and all my hope is in Thee. "In Thee,
0 Lord, have I hoped; let me never be confounded."
I know, alas ! I know but too well that I am frail and
changeable; I know the power of temptation against the
strongest virtue. I have seen stars fall from heaven, and.
pillars of the firmament totter ; but these things alarm me
not. While I hope in Thee I am sheltered from all misfor-
; tune, and I am sure that my trust shall endure, for I rely
; upon Thee to sustain this unfailing hope.
i Finally, I know that my confidence can not exceed Thy
bounty, and that I shall never receive less than I have
hoped for from Thee. Therefore, I hope that Thou wilt
sustain me against my evil inclinations; that Thou wilt
protect me against the most furious assaults of the evil one,
542
Various Devotions
and that Thou wilt cause my weakness to triumph over my
most powerful enemies. I hope that Thou wilt never
cease to love me, and that I shall love Thee unceasingly,
"/w Thee, 0 Lord, have I hoped ; let me never he confounded.''^
— Rev. Claude De La Colombiere, S.J.
^ti of (irfjarits
OGOOD and merciful Saviour, it is the desire of my
heart to return Thee love for love. My greatest
sorrow is that Thou art not loved by men, and, in par-
ticular, that my own heart is so cold, so selfish, so ungrate-
ful. Deeply sensible of my own weakness and poverty, I
trust that Thy own grace will enable me to offer Thee an
act of pure love. And I wish to offer Thee this act of love
in reparation for the coldness and neglect that are shown to
Thee by Thy creatures in the sacrament of Thy love. O
Jesus, my sovereign Good, I love Thee, not for the sake of
the reward which Thou hast promised to those who love
Thee, but purely for Thyself. I love Thee above all things
that can be loved, above all pleasures, and in fine above
myself and all that is not Thee, protesting in the presence of
heaven and earth, that I will live and die purely and simply
in Thy holy love, and that if to love Thee thus I must
endure persecution and suffering, I am perfectly satisfied,
and I will ever say with St. Paul : " Nothing shall separate
me from the love of Christ." O Jesus, supreme Master of
all hearts, I love Thee, I adore Thee, I praise Thee, I thank
Thee, because I am now all Thine own. Rule over me,
and transform my soul into the likeness of Thyself, so that
it may bless and glorify Thee forever in the abode of the
saints. — According to Blessed Margaret Mary.
^rt of ILobe anti of (fTonsccration, trg Bksseti IHargaret
Hilars
(Indulgenced)
I, N. N., give and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of Our
Lord Jesus Christ my person and my life, my actions,
penances, and sufferings, not wishing to make use of any
Various Devotions
543
part of my being for the future except in honoring, loving,
and glorifying that Sacred Heart.
It is my irrevocable will to be entirely His, and to do
everything for His love, renouncing with my whole heart
whatever might displease Him.
I take Thee, then, O Most Sacred Heart, as the sole
object of my love, as the protector of my life, as the pledge
of my salvation, as the remedy of my frailty and incon-
stancy, as the repairer of all the defects of my life, and as
my secure refuge in the hour of death.
Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before
God the Father, and remove far from me the thunderbolts
of his just wrath. O Heart of love, I place my whole con-
fidence in Thee. While I fear all things from my malice
and frailty, I hope all things from Thy goodness.
Consume then in me whatever can displease or be op-
posed to Thee, and may Thy pure love be so deeply im-
pressed upon my heart that it may be impossible that I
should ever be separated from Thee, or forget Thee.
I implore Thee, by all Thy goodness, that my name may
be written in Thee, for in Thee I wish to place all my hap-
piness and all my glory, living and dying in very bondage
to Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan.
13, 1898; Pius X, May 30, 1908.
IFn^ulgenceO Bets of 2)e\?otlon in tbonor of XLbc
J6ucbari6tlc Ibeart of Jesus ^
aOMMEMORATiVE of the Incamation, the Life, the
Passion, and the Death of Our Loving Saviour. Ex-
cellent Acts of Adoration, Thanksgiving, Reparation,
Supplication, and Consecration.
I. The Word was made Flesh, and dwelt amongst us.
'Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius VII, Feb. 11,
1808.
544
Various Devotions
TERNAL Word, made man for love of us, humbly
kneeling at Thy feet, we adore Thee with the deepest
veneration of our souls; and in order that we may repair
our ingratitude for this great benefit of Thy Incarnation,
we unite ourselves to the hearts of all those who love Thee,
and together with them we offer Thee our humble loving
thanksgiving. Pierced by the excess of humility, good-
ness, and sweetness which we behold in Thy Divine Heart,
we beseech Thee to give us Thy grace, that in our lives we,
too, may imitate these virtues so dear to Thee. Pater,
Ave, and Gloria.
II. He was crucified also for us ; suffered under Pontius
Pilate, and was buried.
Esus, our loving Saviour, humbly kneeling at Thy
feet we adore Thee with the deepest veneration of our
souls ; and, in order that we may give Thee proof of the
sorrow we feel at our insensibility to the outrages and
sufferings which Thy loving Heart made Thee undergo for
our salvation in Thy painful Passion and Death, we here
unite ourselves with the hearts of all those who love Thee,
and together with them we give thanks unto Thee and with
our whole soul. We v/onder at the boundless patience and
generosity of Thy divine Heart ; and we entreat Thee to
fill our hearts with such a spirit of Christian penance as
may enable us courageously to embrace suffering, and to
make Thy cross our great comfort and all our glory. Pater,
Ave, and Gloria.
III. Thou didst give them bread from heaven to eat,
containing in itself all sweetness.
r^ESUS, who dost burn with love for us, humbly kneel-
J ing at Thy feet we adore Thee with the deepest venera-
tion of our souls ; and, in order to make Thee reparation for
the outrages which Thy divine Heart daily receives in the
Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, we unite ourselves with
the hearts of all those who love Thee, and give Thee ten-
derest thanks. We love in Thy divine Heart this Thy in-
comprehensible fire of love towards Thy eternal Father,
and we entreat Thee to inflame our hearts with ardent
Various Devotions
545
charity toward Thee and toward our neighbor. Pater,
Ave, and Gloria.
EASTLY, O most loving Jesus, we pray Thee, by the
sweetness of Thy divine Heart, convert the sinner,
console the afflicted, help the dying, lighten the pains of
the souls in purgatory. Make all our hearts one in the
bonds of true peace and charity, deliver us from sudden
and unforeseen death, and grant us a death holy and peace-
ful. Amen.
V. Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Let us pray
RANT, we beseech Thee, iVlmighty God, that we who
glory in the Most Sacred Heart of Thy well-beloved
Son, and call to mind the chief benefits of His heavenly
charity towards us, may be gladdened by the operation and
the fruit of those graces in our souls. Through the same
Christ, etc.
O divine Heart of my Jesus ! I adore Thee with all the
powers of my soul ; I consecrate them to Thee forever,
together with all my thoughts, my words, my works, and
my whole self. I purpose to offer to Thee, as far as I am
able, acts of adoration, love, and glory, like unto those
which Thou dost offer to Thine eternal Father. I be-
seech Thee, be Thou the reparation for my transgressions,
the protector of my life, my refuge and asylum in the hour
of my death. By Thy sighs, and by that sea of bitterness
in which Thou wast immersed for me throughout the whole
course of Thy mortal Hfe, grant me true contrition for my
sins, contempt of earthly things, an ardent longing for the
glory of heaven, trust in Thy infinite merits, and final per-
severance in Thy grace.
Heart of Jesus, all love ! I offer Thee these humble
prayers for myself, and for all who unite with me in spirit
to adore Thee ; vouchsafe, of Thy infinite goodness, to re-
ceive and to answer them, and especially for that one of us
who shall first end this mortal life. Sweet Heart of my
546
Various Devotions
Saviour, pour down upon him, in the agony of death, Thine
inward consolations; place him in Thy sacred wounds,
cleanse him from every stain in that furnace of love, that
so Thou mayest open to him speedily the entrance into Thy
glory, there to intercede with Thee for all those who yet
tarry in their land of exile.
Most holy Heart of my most loving Jesus, I purpose
to renew these acts of adoration and these prayers for my-
self, miserable sinner that I am, as well as for all who are
associated with me to adore Thee, every moment while I
Kve, down to the last instant of my life. I recommend to
Thee, my Jesus, the Holy Church, Thy well-beloved Spouse,
our own true Mother, the souls that undergo Thy justice,
all poor sinners, those who are in affliction, the dying, and
all mankind — let not Thy Blood be shed in vain for them ;
and, last of all, vouchsafe to receive my poor prayers for
the relief of the souls in purgatory, and, above all, for those
who in the course of their lives were wont devoutly to adore
Thee.
Most loving heart of Mary, which, amongst the hearts
of all creatures of God, is at once the most pure, most
inflamed with love for Jesus, and most compassionate
towards us poor sinners, gain for us from the Heart of Jesus,
our Redeemer, all the graces which we ask of Thee.
Mother of mercies, one single throb, one beat of Thy heart,
all on fire with love towards the Heart of Jesus, has power
to console us to the full. Only grant us this favor and
the Heart of Jesus, out of that fiHal love it had and will
ever have for thee, will not fail to bear and answer us.
Amen.
Ejaculations
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Dec.
26, 1907.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, June
27, 1906.
Various Devotions
547
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying,
set free the holy souls in purgatory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Nov.
6, 1906.
/^^HE Holy Rosary, on account of the meditations on the mysteries
V5l/ in the life of Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin, which we make
while reciting it, is one of the most useful devotions while assisting at
Mass, or, keeping the Hour of Adoration.
The Eiicharistic Rosary is especially recommended for this purpose,
as it unites meditation on the sacred mysteries of the rosary wath re-
flections on the life of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. The rosary is
one of the most admirable and beneficial devotions practised in the
Catholic Church. Its method and design are stated to have been re-
vealed to St. Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who admonished him
to preach it with all the fervor of his soul as a singularly efficacious
remedy for the overthrow of heresy and the extirpation of vice. Our
Lady said to him : "Thou shalt inform my people that it is a devotion
most acceptable to my Son and to me." It is adapted alike to the
learned and ignorant, to the cloister and the world, and to every capac-
ity, the words being so easy that the most illiterate may learn them, and
the mysteries so sublime as to afford matter of contemplation and en-
tertainment to the highest intellects. No Christian could slight it with-
out irreverence, or neglect its frequent use without serious detriment to
piety. The numerous indulgences attached to the recitation of the
rosary make this form of devotion a powerful instrument for the relief of
the poor souls in purgatory.
The whole rosary is composed of fifteen decades (the chaplet or or-
dinary beads containing five decades) ; each of the fifteen decades is re-
cited in honor of a mystery of Our Lord's life and that of His blessed
Mother, beginning with the Annunciation, or Christ's Incarnation, and
ending with Mary's Coronation in Heaven.
A decade consists of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and a Glory he to
the Father. While reciting a decade, let faith place before your mind the
myster>^ honored, and pray that the virtue it particularly teaches may be
impressed on your heart. It is a pious custom to recite a chaplet, that
is, five decades of the beads, every day. If you persevere in this pious
practice, you will increase daily in the love of Jesus and Mary, and con-
sequently in Christian perfection.
OR
W^iz '^zziiziim of tfje J^olg Kosars tn tfje
Presence of tlje 33lesseti Sacrament
548
Various Devotions
I
E\}t 3o^inl JSlgstertes
THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY
The Annunciation
JESUS, born of Thy Father from all
eternity ; filled with an incomprehensible
love for men, Thou didst become man in the
womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary through
the operation of the Holy Ghost, humbling
Thyself to such a degree as to take the form
of a servant. The same charity hath prompted
Thee to perpetuate, in the Eucharist, this
mystery of annihilation and love, even to
improve on it by becoming the food of our
souls.
Divine Jesus, we adore Thee in these un-
fathomable debasements, and we beg of Thee,
through the intercession of Thy Holy Mother,
a deep and heartfelt humility.
THE SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY
The Visitation
*T^iviNE Saviour, from the womb of Mary,
wherein Thou didst become incarnate.
Thou breathest forth sanctity into John the
Various Devotions
549
Baptist and benediction upon the whole house
of Elizabeth. From the Host wherein Thou
dwellest, Thou spreadest all over the world
the influence of Thy grace and Thy love
throughout the whole Church.
0 divine Jesus, full of love and kindness,
we adore Thee, and we beg of Thee, through
the intercession of Thy holy Mother, perfect
charity toward our neighbors.
THE THIRD JOYTUL MYSTERY
The Nativity of Our Lord
KING of kings ! poor indeed, yet most
lovely in the crib of Bethlehem, Thou
callest the simple and the poor to be Thy first
adorers: poorer and no less amiable to the
eyes of faith in the Sacrament of Thy love,
Thou art still delighted to see around Thy
person the humble and the little.
0 Jesus, in Thy destitution we adore Thee,
to Whom belong all the treasures of the God-
head, and we beg of Thee, through the inter-
cession of Thy holy Mother, detachment
from the goods of this world.
550
Various Devotions
THE FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY
The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
EAMB of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world, Thou offerest Thyself with
perfect obedience and love to Thy Father,
through the hands of the high priest, as the
Victim that is to be immolated on the cross ;
every day also Thou offerest Thyself upon the
altar by the hands of the priest, with the same
obedience and love as our Victim always
sacrificed and always living.
O sweet Victim, we adore Thee and we beg
of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy
Mother, the spirit of obedience and sacrifice.
THE FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY
The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple
JESUS, Thou withdrawest and leavest
Mary and Joseph in tears to do the work
of Thy Father; but Thou fiUest them with
joy when they find Thee in the midst of the
Doctors amazed at Thy knowledge and
wisdom. Veiled in the Eucharist, Thou im-
partest there divine teachings, and Thou fiUest
with joy those who seek Thee with their whole
heart.
Various Devotions
551
O hidden God ! we adore Thee, and we beg
of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy
Mother, the grace of seeking Thee with a
Kvely and persevering faith in the Sacrament
of Thy love.
II
^ije ^nrrohjful IHgstertes
THE FIRST SORROWFUL MYSTERY
The Agony of Our Lord in the Garden of Olives
^T^iviNE Saviour, under the weight of sorrow
and sadness caused by our sins. Thou
fallest, bathed in a sweat of blood, and Thou
endurest a mortal agony. In the Blessed
Sacrament, also. Thou art still more humbled
and annihilated on account of our sins.
We adore Thee and we compassionate Thy
agony of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane
as well as Thy agony of humiliation in the
Eucharist, and we beg of Thee, through the
intercession of Thy holy Mother, a heartfelt
sorrow for our sins.
552
Various Devotions
THE SECOND SORROWFUL MYSTERY-
The Flagellation
GOOD Jesus ! scourged and covered with
wounds, the sins committed by men
against the holy virtue of purity thus torture
Thy innocent flesh ; and in the Blessed Sacra-
ment impure hearts insult Thee by their
sacrilegious communions.
O Thou bloody Victim, scourged at the
pillar, patient Victim abused in the Sacrament,
we adore Thee and we beg of Thee, through
the intercession of Thy holy Mother, the grace
of mortifying our senses.
THE THIRD SORROWFUL MYSTERY
The Crowning with Thorns
KING of glory ! crowned with thorns and
proclaimed in derision king of the
Jews by brutal soldiers who ignominiously
spit upon Thy adorable face. Thou fallest a
victim to the sins committed by pride ; in the
Blessed Sacrament also Thou bearest a crown
of ignominy made up of the many acts of
irreverence, contempt, hypocrisy, and van-
ity committed by Christians in Thy sanc-
tuary.
Various Devotions
~ 553
O loving Kmg ! overwhelmed with insults
both in Thy passion and in the sacred Host,
we adore Thee and we beg of Thee, through
the intercession of Thy holy Mother, the grace
of mortifying our self-love.
THE FOURTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY
The Carrying of the Cross
aURSES, outrages, ill-treatments, anguish of
heart, sufferings of all kinds can not
alter, O dear Redeemer, the mildness and
patience with which Thou carriest Thy heavy
cross ; with like sweetness and patience dost
Thou bear in the long course of ages, doubts,
want of confidence, murmurs, insults, and
discouragement on the part of Thy chil-
dren.
0 Jesus ! we adore Thee carrying with love
the cross prepared for Thee by Thy Father,
and we beg of Thee, through the intercession
of Thy holy Mother, patience in the trials of
this life.
THE FIFTH SORROWFUL MYSTERY
The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord
^\ GOOD and merciful Saviour ! Thy love,
more than iron nails, keeps Thee riveted
to the cross whereon Thou atonest for our sins
SS4
Various Devotions
in the midst of unspeakable torments. We find
Thee also riveted by the same love in the
Sacrament of the altar, continuing Thy
sacrifice to the end of ages in order to apply
to us the fruits thereof.
Sweet Lamb, perpetually immolated for
us, we adore Thee, and we beg of Thee,
through the intercession of Thy holy Mother,
such a hatred of sin as will make us prefer
the death of the body to the staining of the
soul.
Ill
THE FIRST GLORIOUS MYSTERY
The Resurrection of Our Lord
r\ Christ Jesus ! Thou comest forth
glorious from the tomb, victorious over
all infernal powers ; henceforth sufferings
and death have lost their empire over Thy
glorious humanity. What a consolation for
us to know that, though confined to the humble
condition of Thy sacrament. Thou art in full
possession of the life, joy, and glory of Thy
resurrection !
Various Devotions
555
We adore Thee, O immortal King of ages,
and we beg of Thee, through the intercession
of Thy holy Mother, a lively and loving faith
in Thy real and lifegiving presence in the
Blessed Sacrament.
THE SECOND GLORIOUS MYSTERY
The Ascension
r\ DIVINE Saviour ! Thy triumph in this
mystery has reached its perfection !
By raising Thyself up to heaven through Thy
own power, Thou hast taken possession of
Thy kingdom, and Thou art seated at the
right hand of Thy Father to be forever the
joy of the angels and saints. Every day also
without quitting Thy throne Thou comest
upon our altars, under the form of bread,
to bring us a foretaste of the heavenly beati-
tude.
0 Thou, the delight of pure souls, we adore
Thee and we beg of Thee, through the inter-
cession of Thy holy Mother, an ardent desire
of possessing Thee here below under the
Eucharistic veils, and to possess Thee in
heaven in the splendor of Thy glory.
556
Various Devotions
THE THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY
The Coming Down of the Holy Ghost upon the
Apostles
JESUS, scarcely hadst Thou entered into j
Thy glory at the right hand of Thy
Father, when Thou didst show Thy munifi-
cence by sending forth the Holy Spirit with His
many and various gifts to Thy growing
Church. From the Eucharist, as if from an-
other heaven, wherein Thou hast set up Thy
throne of love, Thou impartest to souls the
spirit of life and strength, and Thou kindles t
in them the fire of Thy divine charity.
0 Jesus, King in heaven. King also in the
Eucharist, we adore Thee and we beg of Thee,
through the intercession of Thy holy Mother, \
fidelity to grace in order to reap all the fruits
produced in the souls of men by the gifts of
the Holy Ghost.
THE FOURTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY
The Death and Assumption of Mary
JESUS, no longer canst Thou leave here
below Thy blessed Mother ; already she
heareth Thy voice calling her, and amid the
transports of an ineffable communion, love
taketh away her soul from the land of exile.
Various Devotions
557
But her virginal body, like that of her divine
Son, must not know corruption ; Thou raise th
her from the dead, and, briUiant as the sun,
she soars on angels' wings to the seat of eternal
glory.
0 Jesus, our resurrection and our life, we
adore Thee and we pray that, through the
intercession of Thy holy Mother, we may die
in the arms of her who is also our own Mother,
after having received in a fervent communion
the pledge of our glorious resurrection.
THE riFTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY
The Croivning of Mary in Heaven
"T^iviNE Son of Mary, to make Thy holy
^^^^ Mother partaker of Thy own glory. Thou
hast crowned her queen of heaven and earth
and appointed her our advocate and the
Hving channel of Thy graces. From the
Eucharist, not less than from heaven. Thou
wiliest that every grace shall reach us through
l| her maternal hands.
O Jesus, we adore Thee in Thy unspeakable
glory, of which Thou hast made Thy Mother
partake with Thee, and we beg of Thee,
through her intercession, a great confidence
in her powerful protection and great earnest-
ness in imitating her virtues ; in particular
her purity, humility, and fidelity to grace.
SS8
Various Devotions
Depotion to tbe JHoi^ IRame of
Jesus
FTER eight days were accomplished, that the Child
should be circumcised, His name was called Jesus,
which was called by the angel, before He was conceived in
^ the womb (Luke ii. 21).
And in His name the Gentiles shall hope (Matt. xii. 21).
He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death,
even to the death of the cross, for which cause God also
hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is
above all names : that in the name of Jesus every knee .
should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under f
the earth (PhiHpp. ii. 8-10).
And thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save
His people from their sins (Matt. i. 21).
There is no other name under heaven given to men
whereby we must be saved (Acts iv. 12).
And now. Lord, behold their threatenings, and grant
unto Thy servants, that with all confidence, they may
speak Thy word; by stretching forth Thy hand to cures,
and signs, and wonders, to be done by the name of Thy
holy Son Jesus (Acts iv. 29, 30).
Amen, amen, I say to you : if you ask the Father any-
thing in my name. He will give it you (John xvi. 23).
Whosoever shall give you to drink a cup of water in My
name, because you belong to Christ, Amen, I say to you,
he shall not lose his reward (Matt. ix. 40).
All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and
the Father by Him (Col. iii. 17).
XLbc Ibol^ IRame Society in Bmertca ^
HE blessing of a Holy Name Society in a parish is
recognized by the illustrious prelates and zealous
priests of our hierarchy. Nearly all our bishops east of
1 Very Rev. C.H. McKenna, O.P., in The Ecclesiastical Re-
view, June, 191 1.
Various Devotions
559
the Rocky Mountains have written me commending the
general establishment of the Holy Xame Society through-
out their dioceses. To bring about this recognition and
to effect the strong organization that we have to-day has
been on the part of many a labor of love for God. Many
silent but effectual forces of priestly and religious lives have
been spent in the service of the Master and for the honor
of His name.
A Retrospect
I may be permitted to say to my brethren of the clergy
that in the retrospect of forty years in Holy Xame activity
I see scores of zealous, saintly priests, now dead, whose
names will never be associated with the great movement
but who worked enthusiastically for the honor of the Holy
Name. Surprise is sometimes expressed at "the promi-
nence into which the Holy Xame Society has come in recent
years." We priests of the older generation who saw the
sowing of the seed see no disproportion in the harvest.
The work was done quietly, but efi'ectively. The ground
was well prepared. In the greater number of dioceses,
and in most of the principal cities of the country, at least
one or two Holy Xame Societies flourished and furnished
proof of the important factor that a well-organized society
of men is in the life of a parish. The Holy X^ame Society
seems to be peculiarly well adapted to unite and to pre-
serve in unity the Catholic men of the United States. It
requires the mere essentials of a decent, honest, church-
going man of clean speech. As Bishop McFaul has aptly
expressed it, the Holy X^ame Society supplies members
with "just that amount of 'moral suasion' which many
men need in order to keep them loyal to the regular recep-
tion of the Sacraments." When we see to-day the deser-
tion of Catholic m.en in Catholic countries, the fact is force-
fully brought home to us that in the Old World there was
not enough attention given to the organization of boys
and men into Church societies or confraternities along lines
that would not have been too exacting. Throughout the
Latin countries a great number of sodalities and pious
Various Devotions
confraternities have existed, but the membership of these
was practically made up of women. A few devout men, of
course, sought the spiritual advantages of these societies.
So far as I know, I have not learned of a confraternity or
society on the continent for the past four decades, requiring
corporate action in the practice of the essentials of their
religion, that has been successful in uniting the majority of
the men of the parishes throughout a diocese.
Thank God, our priests here in the United States ap-
preciate fully how necessary it is for the Church to have a
hold on our men through the organized effort of a church
society. It is recognized that such an organization can
not ask too much of our men without failing to hold the
majority of them. The Holy Name Society in the provi-
dence of Almighty God has filled just the requirements tbat
our priests would have asked for had they been assembled
in council with the authority of the Holy See to form a
society peculiarly adapted to the Catholic men of America.
The Society says to our American Catholic men: ''No
decent man can refuse to do what the Holy Name Society
requires of you. It asks nothing but what the Church
asks, but in discharging the obligations imposed on you by
the Church, the Holy Name Society merely requests you
for a corporate action, that you may have strength in unity
and that strength of your numbers may be an example and
an invitation to all weak-kneed men, who, left to them-
selves, would be devoid of courage or indifferent or careless
about the practice of their religion." Writing of the Holy
Name Society, his Excellency, our present Most Reverend
Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor Falconio, says: "Example
is a powerful force for good or evil, and the example of a
large body of men in a parish practising their religious
duties faithfully is at once a stimulus and a help to the
members to fervor and perseverance and an inducement to
others, who, without this exam.ple, might be careless and
indifferent."
While rejoicing at what has been done and what is being
done by our priests, and while thanking God for the firm
hold the Church has on our American men, we must not
fail to recognize the Divine element that has been at work.
Various Devotions
Men united in the Xame of God found the IMaiter in their
midst. Their union must have been dear to His Divine
Heart; and vith infinite affection must He have blessed
the laborers and their vork. or vain would have been the
efforts of His priests, however heroic; vain, as St. Paul
said, would have been our preaching. While passing these
thoughts over in our minds let us not forget to ask our-
selves whether the priests of the next two or three genera-
tions will have, in so far as it depends on us. as good material
to work with as we have had through the efforts of the
saintly priests who haA^e gone to their eternal reward. Let
us also incessantly invoke God's benediction on the work,
without which the blessing of development and permanence
of the Holy Xame Society in America will not be granted.
This leads me to a subject dear to my heart, and that is
the organization of our boys and young men into Holy
Xam.e Societies. We are living in a day of organization.
!Men in all walks of life are reaching out to bring everything
under organization. Our young men see this and desire
it, and if they can not have organization within the Church,
they will seek it outside. Let not our boys and young men
get away from us. Let the hand of rehgion ever hold them
gently but firmly. If we show interest in our boys and
young men. as we can in a hundred wavs : if by solidly
practical msiruction, suited to the temperament of thei^
years, we prove to them that religion is the best Uiing in
the world and that without religion they can not be men in
the truest and best sense ; if our priests will only study
their boys and young men and. according to circumstances,
locality, and conditions of parishes, devise methods of in-
teresting them in religion, success will attend their eft"orts.
Thus will our successors in the royal Hne of the priesthood
of Jesus Christ have material to work with in organizing
and keeping the men of America devout Catholics.
History of the Society
The Holy X'ame Society ovres Its origin to the Second
Council of Lyons in 1274. when it was enjoined that the
faithful should "'demonstrate mxore reverence for that X'ame
S62
Various Devotions
above all names, the only Name in which we claim salva-
tion — the Name of Jesus Christ." Pope Gregory X in
effecting this reformation of giving more honor to the Ador-
able Name and of making reparation for the blasphemies of
the Albigensians and other heretics of that period deemed
it practical to entrust this special commission to the newly
founded Order of St. Dominic. His apostolic letter was
directed 20 September, 1274, to Blessed John VercelH, the
sixth Master General of the Dominicans. The brief let-
ter we give in full :
Gregory, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, to our
very dear son, the Master of the Order of Preachers, salu-
tation and apostolic benediction.
" Recently, during the Council held at Lyons, we deemed
it a useful commendation to exhort the faithful to enter the
house of God with humility and devotion, and to conduct
themselves while there in a becoming manner, so as to
merit the divine favor and at the same time give edification.
We have also judged it proper to persuade the faithful to
demonstrate more reverence for that Name above all
names, the only Name in which we claim salv^ation — the
Name of Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from the bond-
age of sin. Consequently, in obedience to that apostolic
precept, 'In the Name of Jesus let every knee be bent,'
we wish that at the pronouncing of that Name, chiefly at
the Holy Sacrifice, every one would bow his head in token
that interiorly he bends the knee of his heart.
" Wherefore, very dear son, we, by our apostolic authority,
exhort and enjoin upon you and the brothers of your Order
to use solid reasons in preaching to the people, that they
may be led to comply with our desires. Thus you will win
the crown of justice in the day of recompense.
" Given at Lyons, XIH Kalends of October, third year of
our Pontificate." ^
The Master General lost no time in addressing the Pro-
vincials of his Order. On 4 November, 1274, he wrote in-
structing each Provincial "that the preachers subject to
your jurisdiction carry out the ordination of His Holiness
iBullarium Ord. Praed. Constit. Nuper in.
Various Devotions
563
with scrupulous diligence and by methods calculated to
persuade. This we command." ^ It was singularly fitting
that this apostolic commission should have heen given to
the sons of Dominic. The saint, according to a tradition,
used to add the Name of Jesus to the Hail Mary, a practice
not then adopted in the Church. The successor of St.
Dominic, Blessed Jordan, composed the Little Office of the
Most Holy Name, recited even to-day by his children. So
dear was this Xame to him that he used to sing five psalms,
the initial letters of which spelled the name of Jesus.
Blessed Jordan, speaking of his contemporary, Fr. Henry,
O.P., of Cologne, says: "He used to advise all Christian
people to practise devotion to the Holy Xame of Jesus."
The martyred Dominican, St. Peter, who died in 1252, was
accustomed to gather pious people together to sing the
praises of the Adorable Xame. This devotion of the first
sons of Dominic to the Divine Xame may have been known
to the Sovereign Pontiff Gregory X. At any rate he
knew that the Friars Preachers spoke with the zeal of
their Founder, whose life and death were still fresh in their
minds; he knew that all Europe resounded with their
preaching ; he knew that the office of preaching, as their spe-
cial work, was in perpetuity given to them by apostolic
authority ; and, therefore, what more wise provision could
be made than that they should receive the perpetual com-
mission of preaching greater reverence for the Xame of
God?
X'ot satisfied merely with preaching, the Dominicans
everywhere erected in their churches an altar to the Holy
X'ame. This devotion continued to be cultivated among
the sons and daughters of Dominic. Blessed Henr}^ Suso,
O.P., who died in 1365, cut the letters of the Sacred Xame
into his flesh. St. Catharine of Siena, whose death oc-
curred in 1380, began all her letters, " In the Xame of Jesus
Crucified." To give permanency to the devotion, societies
or confraternities were established in Dominican churches.
X^aturally these, in the beginning, had not that definite
organization which subsequent Papal Constitutions gave
1 Letter Ency. Mag. Gen. Ord. Praed. Rei'^art, p. 96.
5^4
Various Devotions
them. Thus during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries
the history of these confraternities is somewhat obscure.
We find, however, that Boniface IX, in his Constitution
Hodie, dated 31 October, 1401, granted indulgences for
visiting the altar of the Confraternity in the Dofninican
Church of Schusen, Saxony.
Portugal, now almost in a state of anarchy and sadly in
need of a Holy Name Society to renew the faith of its men,
and to imbue them with courage for the defense of their reli-
gion, has the honor of having organized the Holy Name
Society, practically in the form in which we have it to-day.
For some years the retired Dominican Bishop Andre Diaz
preached energetically devotion to the Holy Name, urging
the establishment of a confraternity. There was raging a
plague in Lisbon during the year 1432. The saintly prel-
ate, putting his trust in the Sacred Name, besought the
faithful to join the confraternity as a means of delivering
their affected city, assuring them that the compassionate
Master would not turn a deaf ear to their petitions. He
blessed water in honor of the Sacred Name of Jesus, dis-
tributing it among the plague-stricken people. The effect
seemed miraculous. The bishop was regarded as an in-
strument in God's hands for the deliverance of the people.
Taking advantage of his influence, he assembled the faith-
ful of the Confraternity in honor of the Holy Name, i
January, 1433, to give thanks to God. Statutes for the
Society were drawn up. It was then determined that the
Feast of the Circumcision should be the principal feast of
the Confraternity, as it was on that day Jesus received His
Name. A ruling was also adopted that on i January there
should be a solemn procession in which an image of the
Infant Jesus should be carried.
Some years previously St. Vincent Ferrer (d. 1419) had
powerfully preached on devotion to the Holy Name. This
great Dominican saint, known as the preacher of the Apoca-
lypse, on leaving Italy announced the advent of another
saint, his brother in the Franciscan family, Bernardine of
Siena, who became the renowned promoter of the devotion
in Italy. In the sixteenth century Charles V and Philip II
of Spain, wishing to suppress in their kingdoms blasphemies,
Various Devotions
565
perjury, and the terrible profanation of the Divine Xame,
urged the Dominicans to establish everywhere the Confra-
ternity of the Holy Name of God. The greatest preacher
and leader was Father Didacus, of Mctoria. Pius IV
wrote 13 April, 1564 : "We have learned that our beloved
son Didacus of Victoria, a religious of the Order of
Preachers, a man eminent in the word of God and in zeal,
has instituted a most useful Confraternity called the So-
ciety of the Holy Name of God, in order to prevent im-
proper language and blasphemy. . . , This Confra-
ternity has been canonically erected and received in dif-
ferent cities and villages of Spain. The faithful have
joined it in great numbers, and have used all their endeavors
to prevent blasphemy, perjury, and other unlawful swearing.
. . . And we command all and every one of our venerable
brethren, patriarchs, archbishops, ordinaries of places,
vicars general, and their officers, to favor with all their
power the aforesaid Confraternity ; to assist and sustain it
when and where it is necessary and as often as may be re-
quired by the Confraternity." The Society established
by Bishop Diaz and the loosely organized sodalities to
promote devotion to the Holy Name first founded and exist-
ing in Dominican churches now came under the approba-
tion of Pius IV. From a work written by Ponce de Leon,^
dated 27 May, 1500, we learn that he considered the Holy
Xame Society in his day among the sodalities and confra-
ternities that fiourisheJ" in the Church, deguissima max-
imeque necessaria . . . et utiUisimaJ^
The Society was known, under different names, such as
Confraternity of the Holy Xam.e of God, Society of the Holy
Name of Jesus, Confraternity against Oaths. Benedict
XIII, 26 May, 1727, mentions this in his constitution
PretiosHS.^ The official title is now "The Society of the
1 "Sanctissimi Xominis Dei Sodalitas adversus Perjuria et Blas-
phemia. Per Diconsalvum Ponce de Leon. Hispalensem."' Pref-
ace dedicates the work to the IVIaster General and to the
Dominican Fathers of the Minerva Convent, Rome, which Ponce
de Leon says he leaves unwillingly after living for five years with
the Fathers.
2 Bull. O. P. Tom. VI, pp. 337, 344-
Various Devotions
Holy Name of Jesus." Many of the Popes, principally
Gregory XIII, Pius V, Innocent XI, and Benedict XIV,
Pius IX, Leo XIII, approved of the Society. Pope Pius
X on two occasions has by an autograph communication
to the Bureau of the Holy Name Society blessed the Society
and its work in the United States. In one of these letters
he granted three distinct indulgences to the Society through-
out the world. Bishop O'Connor, of Newark, has sent a
yearly cablegram to Pope Pius X on the occasion of the
annual demonstration of the Holy Name Society. In the
year 1910 the homage of 65,000 men in the Newark diocese
participating in the demonstration was offered to His
Holiness. When Pius X was told for the first time of the '
great army of Holy Name men in the United States, and
of their fidelity to the Church and of their regularity in
receiving the sacraments, he took his pen and wrote :
" Sit Nomen Domini benedictum." ,
Practical Working of the Society
For the canonical establishment of the Society a diploma
must be issued from Rome. These diplomas are sent to me
in great numbers, duly signed, and I am authorized to fill
them out for the various churches. In the last few years \
I have issued more than a thousand diplomas. During the
first three months of the present^year one hundred and
sixteen pastors have applied and have established in their
churches the Holy Name Society. Formerly only one
Society was permitted in a city. This Clementine restric-
tion prevented the expansion of the Society. Many years
ago I requested the Procurator General, Fr. Cicoganni,
that he explain our conditions here to the Holy Father and
that he address a petition to the Holy See that our bishops
be authorized to dispense with the law of Clement VIII.
The petition was graciously granted by Leo XIII. Our
bishops welcomed the authorization and many of them
addressed letters to their priests urging the general estab-
lishment of the Holy Name Society. When the diploma
has been granted, every pastor is authorized to proceed
Various Devotions
S^7
with the formal establishment of the Society, and is given
faculties to receive into it the men of his parish. Very
much depends upon the proper beginning of a society. I
may be permitted to state briefly a few points about its
organization, also to lay down some principles w^hich, as
experience proves, have governed the flourishing societies.
1. Priests desiring the Roman diploma of institution
can procure it directly and within a few days from me. I
would ask priests who know from experience what a bless-
ing a Holy Xame Society is for the good of religion in a
parish, to call the attention of their brother priests to the
simple requirements of estabhshment. Such co-operation
will effect within the present year the estabhshment of a
Holy Xame Society in practically every parish of the
United States. The apostohc blessing is granted to all
priests who promote the extension of the Society.
2. On the day of establishment it is advisable to invite
a priest who has had some experience with the Holy Name
Society, a neighboring spiritual director, or a missionary of
the various religious orders or diocese and bands. Let the
men get together at an hour best suited to the convenience
of the majority. At the meeting make sure to get the
Christian and family name of each man. Equally impor-
tant as the name is the address.
3. The spiritual director should appoint for the first time
the officials of the Society. So much depends upon the
co-operation that the spiritual director gets, and he can
hope to secure this only from the right kind of officers. He
knows the men who will work best with him.
4. The names of the members should be entered in a
parish registry of the Society. This is a necessary con-
dition to gain the indulgence. In most parishes one of the
assistant priests is spiritual director. When this is the case,
he should ask the pastor to sign his name once at the bottom
of each page of the registry. Assistant priests can secure
this personal faculty for themselves.
5. Teach the men from the very beginning that the Holy
Name Society is a strictly religious organization, as much
so as the Blessed Virgin's Sodahty or any confraternity in
the parish. Men must realize that the primary object is to
568
Various Devotions
keep them practical Catholics, men of clean speech, who
are willing in a sensible, prudent way to suppress as far as
they can in others every form of unbecoming speech. The
Holy Name Society is not merely a society made up of
Catholic men ; it is a part of the very life of the parish.
Each Society must be interested in its own parish church.
Instruct the men that whatever affihations they have to
religious confraternities or sodalities, the Holy Name
Society requires them to be an example and an apostle for
the good of religion in their own parish. The members
must make their pastors and spiritual directors feel that
they will have their co-operation in every way for the good
of religion when sought. Every Holy Name Society is as
independent as each parish is independent. When the
Societies unite in a diocesan union, this independence is
not lost. The union depends strictly upon the authority
of the bishop and the diocesan director to whom the bishop
delegates his authority. As the bishop may make a regu-
lation for all the parishes, so he may command through his
diocesan director all the Holy Name Societies. Our di-
ocesan unions do not frame laws; they simply counsel,
inviting the co-operation of all the local spiritual directors.
6. It is left to each local director to say how often the
Society should approach the sacraments in a body. In
some sections of the country it is customary for the Holy
Name Society to receive Holy Communion once every
three months, but in most places the members go once a
month in a body. Individual members should be en-
couraged to go as often as they can. The second Sunday
of the month is the regular Communion Sunday for the
Society. This was determined by Gregory XHI in 1580.^
Holy Name men can gain a plenary indulgence by going to
Communion on every second Sunday.
7. The meetings can be held at any time during the
month, on Sunday, or week day evenings, that will suit the
convenience of the greater number.
8. Great good has been accomplished by Holy Name
demonstrations. They are at once a public profession of
iBuil. O. P. Tom. I, p. 524, and p. 96.
Various Devotions
569
faith and a protest against profanity, false oaths in and out
of court, and all immodest and indecent language. The
demonstrations must vary according to dioceses. In some
places ten, twenty, and even thirty thousand men parade
in the episcopal city. This is not possible in dioceses where
the cities and parishes are separated by great distances.
The Brooklyn and Xewark and Boston Unions have ad-
mirable arrangements by which the dioceses are divided
into a certain number of sections. Each section or group
of societies at the same hour conducts its public demon-
strations. In this vray near-by small towns can unite and
the place of demonstration may be changed each year.
These demonstrations have a wonderful effect, not only on
the Catholic population, but even more wonderful on our
non-Catholic brethren. When we see fifty, sixty, and
seventy thousand people gathered together for public bene-
diction we realize that we are living again in the ages of faith.
9. Untold good is being done by establishing Holy Name
Societies for boys and young men. An ounce of preven-
tion is worth a pound of cure. The best way to have no
profanity and indecent language among men is to prevent
them as boys and young men from contracting the habit.
Boys are soon taught that profanity and obscenity are un-
manly. In some places a bo}^ enters the Holy Name
Society as soon as he has received his First Communion.
Let us take care of our boys and young men now and
thus wall we ensure, so much as it depends on us, a loyal
Catholic manhood in the next generation. Praised be
God and blessed be His Adorable Name for all that the
Holy Name Society has done for the good of religion among
the men of the United States !
'raorsbip ot tbe 1bol^ IRame^
^ESUS, Name of wondrous love !
Name of all other names above,
Unto which must every knee
Bow in deep humility."
^ From The La?np, Januarj^ 191 1,
S70
Various Devotions
'TT^evotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, the feast of
,JL-/ which very fittingly occurs in the first month of the
year, is a truly Franciscan devotion. So great was the
reverence of our Seraphic Father for the holy name that he
could not bear to see it exposed even to the slightest ma-
terial profanation. "Wheresoever," he says in his "In-
structions to All Clerics," "the names and written words
of the Lord may be found in unseemly places they ought to
be collected and put away in a becoming place." And
Thomas of Celano writes : " Those who lived with him will
remember how the name of Jesus was the daily, nay the
continual, theme of his discourses."
Si. Bernardine^s Preaching
The worship of this adorable name was still more widely
extended and popularized by the preaching of the disciples
of St. Francis. One of the foremost of them, St. Bernardine
of Siena, was not satisfied with preaching the holy name of
Jesus in the cities and towns of Italy, he had the monogram
of Our Lord, surrounded with rays, painted on httle tablets
and advised all his hearers to procure one of these tablets
for their homes. He himself always wore one, and he would
show it to the people at the end of his sermon, inviting the
congregation to bend the knee before the holy picture in
honor of Jesus. This devotion had a great effect in pro-
ducing reverence, love, and fear for the Saviour of mankind.
When, in 1427, Bernardine was denounced to Pope Martin
V for having introduced "a profane and idolatrous new
devotion by exposing the people to the danger of ador-
ing the letters of the name of Jesus, and not the
Saviour Himself," the saint, accompanied by St. John
Capistran and Blessed Matthew of Girgenti, pleaded the
cause of the Holy Name so well that the Pope exhorted him
to pursue his fruitful apostolate, to teach the people rev-
erence and love for the Holy Name of Jesus, and, moreover, •
told him that he might present without fear to the venera- '
tion of the faithful the representation of this blessed name.
Then he ordered a general procession in Rome in honor of
Various Devotions
571
the Holy Name of Jesus, so as to leave no doubt as to the
feeling of the Church for a devotion from which she
gathered such precious fruits. St. John Capistran carried
the banner of the name of Jesus, against which so many
sacrilegious attacks had been directed. Religious of all
Orders, the secular clergy and a large body of the people
followed, singing canticles. Thus the holy name of Jesus
was blessed, glorified, and extolled to the enthusiastic delight
of every Christian heart. The memor\' of this event was
perpetuated later on in the Order of St. Francis, by the
feast of the Triumph of the Holy Name of Jesus. This
feast was, by permission of Pope Innocent VIII, estab-
lished in the Franciscan Order in the year 1530, and ob-
served on the 14th day of January. In 1721 Innocent
XIII extended the celebration of the feast to the universal
Church, and appointed it to be kept on the second Sunday
after Epiphany. In 1863 Pius IX approved the Litany of
the Holy Xame of Jesus, at the request of the general of the
Franciscan Order.
Xext to the devotion to Our Lord's holy infancy the
worship of the name of the holy child has thus become one
of the sweetest traditions bequeathed by St. Francis to his
children.
The Dominicans and the Holy Name Society
In the course of time a number of associations were
formed, having for object the love and honor of the Holy
Xame of Jesus. The Dominican Friars were especially
zealous in spreading these fraternities. They were eventu-
ally united into the present Holy Xame Society, ''which
has since encircled the globe, developing a sturdy religious
spirit, a deep love of God, and an abiding reverence of the
name of Jesus. Xo where has the society made more rapid
growth than here in our own country. The good it has
done can be only faintly estimated, but it is certain that the
Society is checking the foul habit of profane and indecent
language, that it is teaching men to mention with reverence
the name of Jesus, that it is bringing to Mass on Sundays
and to the sacraments at regular intervals, thousands of
572
Various Devotions
men who would probably be negligent Catholics were it
not for the Society. In the providence of God, it is, fur-
thermore, a most potent factor in maintaining belief in the
Divinity of Christ among the men in America" (''Manual
of the Holy Name Society").
In many dioceses of the country the Holy Name Society
is officially established, and in the diocese of Pittsburg its
introduction has recently been made obligatory in every
parish.i
The author of Auxilium Infirmoriim ^ says: "We must
bear the office and spirit of the Holy Name of Jesus, which
means Saviour.
''We must be the saviours of one another, healing the
wounds of one another, bearing one another's burdens, and
we shall in our measure be worthy not only of the name of
Christ, the anointed of the Lord, but also of the name of
Jesus, Saviour, Who went about doing good.
"How are we to heal others ? First, by keeping in good
spiritual health ourselves, lest we be told : ^Physician, heal
thyself ! ' By lives of regularity, by regular prayer, and
regular sacraments ; by lives that keep ever in touch with
God, that look to God, that are spent in His presence, and
are filled with work done for His cause. Thus shall we-
spread the light of truth, and make the force of good ex-
ample felt : thus shall we make a protest against the disease
of sin, and reparation to the Sacred Heart.
"And in our active work for others, how shall we heal
their wounds?
"By kindness; by always being kind — kind in word,
kind in thought, kind in deed; never speaking scandal,
never picking holes, covering every wound and failing with
the clean linen of charity, that the heart of mankind may
beat less heavily, that the world of men may rejoice more
fully in God, its Saviour, who bore the name of Jesus, and
wished the spirit of that name to be uppermost in the lives
of all. Each one may ask himself : Is my life spiritually
healthy and sound, vigorous and regular ? Do I go about
1 " Seraphic Child of Mary."
2 London Catholic Truth Society Publication.
Various Devotions
573
doing good by the sweet apostolate of kindness, or do I,
by want of charity^ open wide and make to bleed afresh the
wounds of my neighbor ?
"My Lord, from this day I take up my cross and follow
Thee ! I will look back no more. Help me to observe
Thy new commandment — to love my neighbor as Thou
hast loved me."
IRovena in Honor of tbe 1bol^ 1Rame ot 3-e6vi6
O MERCIFUL Jesus, Who didst in Thy early infancy
commence Thy office of Saviour by shedding Thy
precious blood and assuming for us that name which is
above all names ; we thank Thee for this manifestation of
Thy infinite love. We venerate Thy sacred name, in union
with the profound respect of the angel who first announced
it to the earth, and unite our aft'ections to the sentimients
of tender devotion which the adorable name of Jesus has
in all ages enkindled in the hearts of Thy saints. Ani-
mated with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and pene-
trated with confidence in Thy mercy, we now most humbly
remind Thee of the promise Thou hast made, that where
two or three should assemble in Thy name. Thou Thyself
wouldst be in the midst of them. Come, then, into the
midst of us, most amiable Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred
name we are here assembled ; come into our hearts, that we
may be governed by Thy holy spirit ; mxercifuUy grant us,
through that adorable name, which is the joy of heaven,
the terror of hell, the consolation of the affiicted, and the
solid ground of our unlimited confidence, all the petitions
we make in this novena.
Oh I blessed Mother of our Redeemer ! who didst par-
I ticipate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear Son when
He shed His sacred blood and assumed for us the name of
I Jesus, obtain for us, through that adorable name, the favors
we petition in this novena. Beg also, that the most ardent
love may imprint on our hearts that sacred name, that it
may be always in our minds and frequently on our lips ;
that it may be our defense and our refuge in the tempta-
574
Various Devotions
tions and trials of life, and our consolation and support in
the hour of death. Amen.
irnDulc^encee (3ranteD for ITuvol^lng tbe 1bol^
IFlame ot Jeeua
I. Fifty days, every time any one says to another :
Laudettir Jesus Christus ; or answers : AmeUy or, In scBcula.
Praised be Jesus Christ. For evermore.
II. Twenty-five days, every time any one invokes the
most holy name of Jesus.
III. Plenary, at the point of death, to any one who has
had the devout practice of saluting and answering as above,
or of invoking often the said most holy name, provided
that he then invokes this holy name at least in his heart, if
he is unable to do so with his lips. — Clement XIII, Sept.
5, 1759.
INDULGENCED EJACULATIONS IN HONOR OF THE HOLY NAME
My Jesus, mercy !
Indulgence of 100 days, for each recital. — Pius IX,
Sept. 24, 1846.
My sweetest Jesus, be not my judge, but my Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days, for each recital. — Pius IX,
Aug. II, 1851.
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX, May 7,
1854.
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me ! (Luke iii. 38).
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Feb.
27, 1886.
Bevotion to tbe 1bol^ IRame
For saying : Glory be to the Father, etc., and May the holy
name of Jesus he infinitely Messed, five times, the follow-
ing indulgences are granted on the usual conditions :
Various Devotions
575
I. Three hundred days, each time.
II. Plenary, on the Sunday after the Epiphany, if said
daily, to all who visit a church where the Feast of the Holy
Name is being celebrated.
III. Plenary, to all who assist at the annual requiem for
those who were devout to the holy Name. — Pius X, Nov.
26, 1906.
IPrai^er to Jesus ©ur IReDeemer : Hn Bet of
IReparatton tor iSlaspbemies TUttereD
Bgatnst tbe 1bol^ IRame
O JESUS, Son of the living God, my Saviour and Re-
deemer, behold us prostrate at Thy feet. We beg
pardon, and make this act of reparation for all the blas-
phemies uttered against Thy holy Name for all the outrages
committed against Thee in the most holy Sacrament of the
Altar, for all irreverence shovrn to Thy most blessed and
immaculate Mother, and for all the calumnies spoken
against thy spouse, our holy Mother, the Catholic Church.
0 Jesus, who didst say : Whatever you shall ask the Father
in my Name, that I will do, we pray and beseech Thee for
our brethren who are living in danger of sin, that Thou
wouldst preserve them from the seductions of apostasy.
Save them who stand over the abyss ; give them light and
knowledge of the truth, power and strength in the conflict
against evil, and perseverance in faith and active charity.
And therefore, most merciful jesus, do we pray to the
Father in Thy name, with whom Thou livest and reignest
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amien.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, May
13, 1903-
INVOCATIONS
Jesus aiid Mary.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, Oct. 10,
1904.
Saviour of the world, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Feb. 21,
1891.
576
Various Devotions
?§umanitg of ^iir ilorti 3t%\x% ^\]xisi
Suitable for Christmas, New Year, and the Feast of the
Holy Name of Jesus.
OGOOD Jesus ! Word of the Eternal Father, convert
me !
O good Jesus ! Son of Mary, make me her child !
O good Jesus ! my Master, teach me !
O good Jesus ! Prince of peace, give me peace !
0 good Jesus ! my Refuge, receive me !
O good Jesus ! my Pastor, feed my soul !
O good Jesus ! Model of patience, comfort me !
O good Jesus ! my Redeemer, save me !
O good Jesus ! my God and my All, possess me !
O good Jesus ! the true Way, direct me !
O good Jesus ! eternal Truth, instruct me !
O good Jesus ! Life of the blessed, make me live in Thee !
O good Jesus ! my Support, strengthen me !
O good Jesus ! my Justice, justify me !
O good Jesus ! my Mediator, reconcile me to Thy Fa-^
ther !
O good Jesus ! Physician of my soul, heal me ! ^
O good Jesus ! my Judge, absolve me !
O good Jesus ! my King, govern me !
O good Jesus ! my Sanctification, sanctify rne !
O good Jesus ! Abyss of goodness, pardon me I
O good Jesus ! living Bread from heaven, satiate me !
O good Jesus ! the Father of the prodigal, receive me !
O good Jesus ! Joy of my soul, refresh me !
O good Jesus ! my Helper, assist me !
O good Jesus ! Magnet of love, attract me !
O good Jesus ! my Protector, defend me !
O good Jesus ! my Hope, sustain me !
O good Jesus ! Object of my love, m^ake me love Thee !
O good Jesus ! Fountain of hfe, cleanse me !
O good Jesus ! my Propitiation, purif}^ mx !
O good Jesus i my last End, let me obtain Thee !
O good Jesus ! m^y Glory, glorify me. Amen.
Various Devotions
577
Jesus, hear my prayer !
Jesus, graciously hear me.
Let us pray
OLoRD Jesus Christ, Who hast said, Ask and you shall
receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall he
opened unto you ! mercifully attend to our supplication, and
grant us the gift of Thy divine charity, that vre may ever
love Thee with our whole heart, and' never desist from
Thy praise : Who livest and reignest one God, world
without end. Amen.
O Lord, give us a perpetual fear as well as love of Thy
holy name, for Thou never ceasest to govern those whom
thou foundest upon the soUdity of Thy love.
0 God, Who didst appoint Thine only begotten Son
Saviour of mankind, and didst command that He should be
called Jesus ; mercifully grant that we may enjoy the vision
of Him in heaven, Whose holy name we venerate on earth.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
iSragcr m i^onnr of i\)z fHcst l^alg, i\]t fHost Etiorable
Ifame of 3csus
C\ GOOD Jesus ! 0 most tender Jesus I O most
sweet Jesus 1 0 Jesus, Son of ]\Iary the Virgin,
full of mercy and kindness ! O sweet Jesus, accord-
ing to Thy great mercy, have pity on me I 0 most
merciful Jesus, I entreat Thee by that precious blood
of Thine Avhich Thou didst will to pour forth for
sinners, to Avash away all my iniquities, and to look
upon me. poor and unworthy as I am, asking humbly
pardon of Thee, and invoking this holy name of Jesus.
O name of Jesus, sw^eet name I Xame of Jesus, name
of joy I Xame of Jesus, name of strength I Nay.
w^hat meaneth the name of Jesus but Saviour ?
Wherefore, O Jesus, by Thine owm holy name, be to
578
Various Devotions
me Jesus, and save me. Suffer me not to be lost —
me, whom Thou didst create out of nothing. O good
Jesus, let not my iniquity destroy what Thy almighty
goodness made. O sweet Jesus, recognize what is
Thine own, and wipe away from me what is not of
Thee ! O most kind Jesus, have pity on me while it
is the time of pity, and condemn me not when it is the
time of judgment. The dead shall not praise Thee,
Lord Jesus, nor all those who go down into hell. O
most loving Jesus ! O Jesus most longed for by Thine
own ! O most gentle Jesus ! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let
me enter into the number of Thine elect. O Jesus,
salvation of those who believe in Thee ; Jesus, con-
solation of those who fly to Thee. Jesus, Son of
Mary the Virgin, pour into me grace, wisdom, charity,
chastity, and humility, that I may be able perfectly
to love Thee, to praise Thee, to enjoy Thee, to serve
Thee, and to glory in Thee, together with all those
who invoke Thy name, which is Jesus. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876.
iPraser BMm Jesus
'npViviNE Jesus, incarnate Son of God, Who for our
^JLJ salvation didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to
pass Thy life in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die
amid the sufferings of the cross, I entreat Thee, say to
Thy divine Father at the hour of my death : Father,
forgive him; say to Thy beloved Mother : Behold thy Son;
say to my soul : This day thou shalt he with Me in paradise.
My God, my God, forsake me not in that hour. / thirst;
yes, my God, my soul thirsts after Thee, Who art the foun-
tain of living waters. My life passes like a shadow ; yet a
little while, and all will be consummated. Wherefore, O
my adorable Saviour ! from this moment, for all eternity,
Various Devotions
579
into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, receive
my soul. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences, June lo, 1856, confirmed an
indulgence of three hundred days, to be gained by all the
faithful every time that they shall say this prayer with
contrite heart and devotion.
XUtle ©ffice of tbe /iDoat Ifoolp mame
of 5esus^
/Ibatutlnum
QfiT nomen Domini
^3 benedictum in saecu-
la. Amen.
V. Domine, labia mea
aperies.
R. Et OS meum an-
nuntiabit laudem Tuam.
V. Deus, in adjutori-
um meum intende.
R. Domine, ad adju-
vandum me festina.
Gloria Patri, etc. Al-
leluia.
/T^AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, Thou wilt
open my lips.
R. And my mouth
shall declare Thy praise.
V. Incline unto my
aid, O God.
R. 0 Lord, make haste
to help me.
Glory be to the Fa-
ther, etc. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima to Easter, instead of Alleluia
is said:
Laus Tibi, Domine, Rex Praise be to Thee, O
aeternae glorise. Lord, King of everlasting
glory.
^From " Manual of the Third Order of St. Dominic.''
S8o
V arioiis Devotions
HYMNUS
Esu dulcis memoria
Dans vera cordis gaudia,
Sed super mel et omnia
Ejus dulcis praesentia.
HYMN
HE memory sweet of
Jesus' name
True joy gives to the
breast,
But far above all honied
sweets
Is His dear presence
blest.
3
ANTIPHONA
UMiLiAViT semetip-
sum Dominus Jesus
factus obediens usque ad
mortem, mortem autem
crucis ; propter quod et
Deus exaltavit Ilium, et
donavit Illi nomen quod
est super omne nomen ;
ut in nomine Jesu omne
genu flectatur, coelestium,
terrestrium, et infer-
norum.
V. Omnis terra adoret
Te Deus et psallat Tibi.
R. Psalmum dicat no-
mini Tuo, Domine Jesu.
ANTHEM
HE Lord Jesus hum-
bled Himself, becom-
ing obedient unto death,
even the death of the
cross : wherefore God
hath also exalted Him,
and hath given Him a
name which is above
every name : that in the
name of Jesus every knee
may bow, of things in
heaven, of things on the
earth, and of things under
the earth.
V. Let all the earth
adore Thee and sing to
Thee, O God.
R. Let them sing a
psalm unto Thy name,
O Lord Jesus.
Various Devotions
S8i
Oremus
*T^EUS. qui gloriosissi-
r-L/ mum nomen Domini
nostri Jesu Christi, uni-
geniti Filii Tui, fecisti
fidelibus Tuis summo
suavitatis affectu ama-
bile, et malignis spiriti-
bus tremendum atque
terribile ; concede pro-
pitius, ut omnes qui hoc
nomen Jesu devote vene-
rantur in terris, sanctae
consolationis dulcedinem
in praesenti percipiant, et
in futuro gaudium exul-
tationis et interminabilis
jubilationis obtineant in
ccelis. Per eundem Do-
minum nostrum Jesum
Christum, etc.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who hast made
the most glorious
name of Thine only-
begotten Son. Our Lord
Jesus Christ, lovely unto
all Thy faithful for its per-
fect sweetness, but to the
evil spirits terrible and
greatly to be feared ;
mercifully grant that all
who devoutly venerate
this name, Jesus, may
in this present life taste
the sweetness of holy
comfort, and in the life
to come obtain the joys
of heavenly gladness and
jubilation without end.
Through the same Lord
Jesus Christ, etc.
iirimam l^ximt
^fiT nomen Domini /T^^-^
benedictum in saecula
^AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
Amen. ever. Amen.
r. Deus in adjuto- V. Incline unto my
rium, etc. aid, etc.
HY^IXUS HYMN
"T^il canitur suavius, *T^o tuneful song, no
pleasant sound,
Auditur nil jucundius. No fancy ever won
582
Various Devotions
Nil cogitatur dulcius
Quam Jesus Dei filius.
ANTIPHONA
KUMiLiAViT semetip-
sum, etc., cum ora-
tione ut supra.
BIT nomen Domini
benedictum in sae-
cula. Amen.
F. Deus in adjutorium,
etc.
HYMNUS
ESU, spes poenitentibus,
Quam pius es petentibus ?
Quam bonus Te quaerenti-
bus ?
Sed quid invenientibus ?
ANTIPHONA
UMiLiAviT, etc., cum
oratione ut supra.
^ti $extam
C^iiT nomen Domini
benedictum in sae-
cula. Amen,
Upon the senses like the
name
Of God's beloved Son.
ANTHEM
E humbled Himself,
etc., and the prayer
as above.
AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
ever. Amen.
V. Incline unto my
aid, etc.
HYMN
Esus, the contrite sin-
ner's hope,
To suppliants how kind?
How good art Thou to
them that seek ?
But what to them that
find?
ANTHEM
E humbled Himself,
etc., and the prayer
as above.
AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
ever. Amen.
3
3
Various Devotions
583
V. Deiis in adjuto-
rium, etc.
HYMNUS
ESU, dulcedo cordium,
Tons vivus, lumen men-
tium,
Excedens omne gaudium,
Et omne desiderium.
ANTIPHOXA
UMiLiAviT, etc., cum
I ovatione nt supra.
IT nomen Domini
benedictuminsaecula.
Amen.
V. Deus in adjuto-
rium, etc.
HY^INUS
EC lingua valet dicere,
Nec littera exprimere,
Expertus potest credere
Quid sit Jesum diligere.
V. Incline unto my
aid, etc.
HYMN
Esus, Thou SAveetness
of all hearts,
Thou living spring of
light,
So far exceeding all desire,
All joys of sense or sight.
ANTHEM
E humbled Himself,
etc. With prayer as
above.
AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
ever. Am. en.
Incline unto my
aid, etc.
HY^IN
o tongue can tell, no
pen can write.
How sweet it is to love
Our sweetest Lord ; but
hearts that try
Full well that sweetness
prove.
3
3
5^4
Various Devotions
ANTIPHONA ANTHEM
"X^UMILIAVIT, etc., cum "Tp^E humbled Himself,
<-■-& oratione ut supra. r-*— b etc., and the prayer
as above.
BIT nomen Domini /T^^
benedictum in sae-
\AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
cula. Amen. ever. Amen.
V. Deus in adjuto- V. Incline unto my
rium, etc. aid, etc.
HYMNUS
ESU, Rex admirabilis,
Et triumphator nobilis,
Dulcedo ineffabilis,
Totus desiderabilis.
HYMN
Esus, Thou king most
wonderful ;
Thou conqueror divine ;
Sweetness unspeakable,
that wins
All loving hearts to
Thine.
3
3
ANTIPHONA ANTHEM
I^UMiLiAViT, etc., cum I^E humbled Himself,
& oratione ut supra. b etc., and the prayer
as above.
IT nomen Domini
benedictum in saecula.
Amen.
V. Converte nos, Deus,
salutaris noster.
AY the name of the
Lord be blessed for-
ever. Amen.
V. Convert us, O God,
our Saviour.
V arious Devotions
585
R. Et averte iram
Tuam a nobis.
V. Deus in adjuto-
rium, etc.
HYMNUS
AXE nobiscum, Do-
mine,
Et nos illustra lumine,
Pulsa mentis caligine,
Mundum replens dulce-
dine.
ANTIPHONA
UMiLiAViT, etc., Cll7n
oratione ut supra.
Commendatio
KAS horas canonicas
cum devotione
Dixi, pie Jesu, Tui ratione ;
Ut sis memor mei mortis
in agone,
Tecum et congaudeam in
cceli regione. Amen.
R. And turn away Thy
wrath from us.
F. Inchne unto my
aid, etc.
HYMN
^Ttay with us, Lord, and
round our souls
Still shed Thy radiance
bright ;
O chase the shadows, and
rejoice
The world with Thy
sweet light.
ANTHEM
E humbled Himself,
etc., and the prayer
as above.
Offering of the Foregoing
Office
HESE VOWS I breathe,
with lowliest mind,
My Jesus sweet, to Thee,
And pray that in my part-
ing hour
Thou wouldst remember
me.
And take me to Thy king-
dom bright.
Thy glorious reign to
see. Amen.
586 Various Devotions
Ib^mrxB auD ipsalmg in Ibonor of tbe IKsoBt
1boli5 1Rame of 3^e0U6
HYMN
Jesu Dulcis Memoria
^ ESU dulcis memoria, ^7 esus ! the very thought
el of Thee
Dans vera cordi gaudia : With sweetness fills my
breast ;
Sed super mel et omnia, But sweeter far Thy face
to see,
Ejus dulcis praesentia. And in Thy presence
rest.
Nil canitur suavius, Nor voice can sing, nor ^
heart can frame.
Nil auditur jucundius, Nor can the memory
find,
Nil cogitatur dulcius, A sweeter sound than Thy
blest name,
Quam Jesu Dei Filius. O Saviour of mankind !
Jesu spes pcenitentibus, O hope of every contrite
heart !
Quam pius es petenti- O joy of all the meek !
bus !
Quam bonus te quaeren- To those who fall, how
tibus ! kind thou art !
Sed quid invenientibus I How good to those who
seek !
Nec lingua valet dicere But what to those who
find? Ah! this
Nec littera exprimere : Nor tongue nor pen can
show :
Various Devotions
Expertus potest credere,
Quid sit Jesum diligere
587
The love of Jesus — what
it is,
None but His lov'd
ones know.
Sis, Jesu, nostrum gau-
dium,
Qui es futurum prae-
mium :
Sit nostra in te gloria,
Per cuncta semper sae-
cula.
Amen.
Jesus I our only joy be
Thou,
As Thou our prize wilt
be;
Jesus ! be Thou our glory
now^
And through eternity.
Amen.
Psalms whose initial letters (in Latin) compose the most
holy name of Jesus.
Ant. In nomine Jesu. Ant. In the name of
Jesus.
Ps. 99
'TuBiLATE Deo omnis
e) terra ; servite Domino
in laetitia.
Introite in conspectu
ejus: in exultatione.
Sciote, quoniam Domi-
nus ipse est Deus: ipse
fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
Populos ejus, et oves
pascuae ejus : introite por-
tas ejus in confessione,
Ps. 99
QTing joyfully to God,
1^ all the earth : serve
ye the Lord wdth gladness.
Come in before His
presence with exceeding
great joy.
Know^ ye that the Lord,
He is God: He made us,
and not w^e ourselves.
We are His people, and
the sheep of His pasture :
go ye into His gates with
588
Various Devotions
atria ejus in hymnis ;
confitemini illi.
Laudate nomen ejus,
quoniam suavis est Domi-
nus, in aeternum miseri-
cordia ejus : et usque in
generationem et genera-
tionem Veritas ejus.
Gloria Patri, et Filio,
etc.
Ajtt. In nomine Jesu
omne genuflectatur coeles-
tium, terrestrium, et infer-
no rum.
praise, into His courts
with hymns, and give
glory to Him.
Praise ye His name, for
the Lord is sweet ; His
mercy endureth forever,
and His truth to genera-
tion and generation.
Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Ant. At the name of
Jesus let every knee bend
in heaven, on earth, and in
hell.
A nt. Ego autem in Do-
mino gaudebo.
Ps. 19
^^XAUDiAT te Dominus
^-d in die tribulationis :
protegat te nomen Dei
Jacob.
Mittat tibi auxilium de
sancto : et de Sion tue-
atur te.
Memor sit omnis sacri-
ficii tui : et holocaustum
tuum pingue fiat.
Tribuat tibi secundum
Ant. But I will rejoice
in the Lord.
Ps. 19
/T\ay the Lord hear
thee in the day of
tribulation : may the ,
name of the God of Jacob .
protect thee.
May He send thee help
from the sanctuary: and
defend thee out of Sion.
May He be mindful of 1
all thy sacrifices: and ;
may thy whole burnt-
offering be made fat. . [
May He give thee ac-
Various Devotions
cor tuum : et omne con-
silium tuum confirmet.
Laetabimur in salutari
tuo : et in nomine Dei
nostri magnificabimur.
Impleat Dominus om-
nes petitiones tuas : nunc
cognovi, quoniam, salvum
fecit Dominus Christum
suum.
Exaudiet ilium de coeli
sancto suo : in potestati-
bus salus dexterae ejus.
Hi in curribus, et hi in
equis : nos autem in
nomine Domini Dei nos-
tri invocabimus.
Ipsi obligati sunt, et
ceciderunt : nos autem
surreximus, et erecti
sumus.
Domine, salvum fac
• regem : et exaudi nos in
^ ij die, qua invocaverimus te.
'i Gloria Patri, etc.
I Ant. Ego autem in
){, Domino gaudebo, et exul-
dji tabo in Deo Jesu meo.
cording to thy own heart ;
and confirm all thy coun-
sels.
We will rejoice in thy
salvation : and in the
name of our God we shall
be exalted.
The Lord fulfil all thy
petitions : now have I
known that the Lord hath
saved His anointed.
He will hear him from
His holy heaven : the sal-
vation of his right hand
is in powers.
Som^e trust in chariots,
and some in horses : but
we will call upon the name
of the Lord our God.
They are bound, and
have fallen : but we are
risen, and are set upright.
0 Lord, save the king :
and hear us in the day that
we shall call upon thee.
Glory be to the Father,
etc.
Ant. But I will rejoice
in the Lord, and I will
exult in Jesus my God,
590
Various Devotions
Ant. Sanctum et ter-
ribile nomen ejus.
Ps. II
^Talvum me fac, Do-
mine,quoniamdefecit
sanctus : quoniam dimin-
nutae sunt veritates a fiiiis
hominum.
Vana locuti sunt unus-
quisque ad proximum
suum : labia dolosa in
corde, et corde locuti sunt.
Disperdat Dominus uni-
versa labia dolosa : et lin-
guam magniloquam.
Qui dixerunt ; linguam
nostram magnificabimus,
labia nostra a nobis sunt :
quis noster Dominus est ?
Propter miseriam in-
opum, et gemitum pau-
perum, nunc exsurgam,
dicit Dominus.
Ponam in salutari :
fiducialiter agam in eo.
Eloquia Domini eloquia
casta, argentum igne ex-
aminatum, probatum
Ant. Holy and terrible
is His name.
Ps. II
AVE me, O Lord, for
there is now no saint :
truths are decayed from
among the children of
men.
They have spoken vain
things every one to his
neighbor: with deceitful
hps, a7id with a double
heart, have they spoken.
May the Lord destroy
all deceitful lips, and the
tongue that speaketh
proud things.
Who have said : we will
magnify our tongue : our
hps are our own ; who is
Lord over us?
By reason of the misery
of the needy, and the
groans of the poor, now
will I arise, saith the Lord.
I will set him in safety :
I will deal confidently in
his regard.
The words of the Lord
are pure words : as silver
tried by the fire, purged
Various Devotions
terras, purgatum septu-
plum.
Tu, Domine, servabis
nos, et custodies nos a
generatione hac in aeter-
num.
In circuitu impii am-
bulant : secundum alti-
tudinem tuam rrrultipli-
casti iilios hominum.
Gloria Pafri, etc.
Ant. Sanctum et terri-
bile nomen ejus : initium
sapientiae timer Domini.
from the earth, refined
seven times.
Thou, 0 Lord, wilt
preser\'e us and keep us
from this generation for-
ever.
The wicked walk round
about : according to thy
highness. Thou hast multi-
plied the children of men.
Glory be to the Father,
etc.
A}it. Holy and terrible
is His name : the fear of
the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom.
Ant. Vocabis nomen
ejus Jesum.
Ps. 12
V I SQUEQuo. Domine,
obiivisceris me in
finem ? L^squequo aver-
tis faciem tuam a me ?
Quamdiu ponam consi-
ha in anima mica, dolorem
in corde meo per diem ?
Usquequo exaltabitur
inimicus meus super me ?
Ant. Thou shalt call
His name Jesus.
Ps. 12
SOW long. 0 Lord, wilt
Thou forget me unto
the end ? How long dost
Thou turn away Thy face
from me ?
How long shall I take
counsels in my soul, sor-
row in my heart all the
day ?
How long shall my
enemy be exalted over
592
Various Devotions
Respice, et exaudi me,
Domine Deus meus.
-Illumina oculos meos,
ne unquam obdormiam in
morte ; ne quando dicat
inimicus meus : prevalui
ad versus eum.
Qui tribulant me, ex-
ultabunt, si motus fuero ;
ego autem in misericordia
tua speravi.
Exultabit cor meum in
salutari tuo : cantabo
Domino, qui bona tri-
buit mihi, et psallam
nomini Domini altis-
simi.
Gloria Fatri, etc.
Ant. Vocabis nomen
ejus Jesum: Ipse enim
salvum faciet populum
suum a peccatis eorum.
me ? Consider, and hear
me, O Lord, my God.
Enlighten my eyes, that
I never sleep in death :
lest at any time my enemy
say : I have prevailed
against him.
They that trouble me
will rejoice when I am
moved : but I have trusted
in Thy mercy. I
My heart shall rejoice in
Thy salvation : I will sing
to the Lord, Who giveth
me good things : yea, I
will sing to the name of
the Lord the most high.
Glory be to the Father, |
etc.
Ant. Thou shalt call
His name Jesus : for he
shall save His people from
their sins.
s
Ant. Sitivit anima mea. Ant. My soul hath
thirsted,
Ps. 128 Ps. 128
^PE expugnaverunt /^ften have they fought
me a juventute mea : against me from my
dicat nunc Israel. youth : let Israel now say.
Saepe expugnaverunt me Often have they fought
Various Devotions
593
a juventute mea : etenim
non potuerunt mihi.
Supra dorsum meum
fabricaverunt peccatores :
prolongaverunt iniquita-
tem suam.
Dominus justus con-
cidit cervices peccatorum :
confundantur, et conver-
tantur retrorsum omnes,
qui oderunt Sion.
Fiant sicut foenum tec-
torum, quod priusquam
evellatur, exaruit.
De quo non implevit
manum suam, qui metit :
et sinum suum, qui mani-
pulos coUigit.
Et non dixerunt, qui
praeteribant : Benedictio
Domini super vos : bene-
diximus vobis in nomine
Domini.
Gloria Patri, etc.
Ant. Sitivit anima mea
ad nomen sanctum tuum,
I , Domine.
against me from my
youth : but they could not
prevail over me.
The wicked have
wrought upon my back :
they have lengthened their
iniquity.
The Lord who is just
will cut the necks of sin-
ners : let them all be con-
founded and turned back
who hate Sicn.
Let them be as grass
upon the tops of houses
which withereth before it
be plucked up : where-
with the mower filleth not
his hand ; nor he that
ga there th sheaves, his
bosom.
And they that passed
by have not said : The
blessing of the Lord be
upon you : we have
blessed you in the name
of the Lord.
Glory he to the Father,
etc.
Ant. My soul hath
thirsted for Thy holy
name, 0 Lord.
594 Various Devotions
HYMN
Jesu Rex Admirabilis
fESV rex admirabilis, jesus ! king most
J wonderful !
Et triumphator nobilis, Thou Conqueror re-
nowned !
Dulcedo ineffabilis, Thou sweetness most in-
effable !
Tot us desiderabilis. In Whom all joys are
found !
Quando cor nostrum vi- When once Thou visitest
sitas, the heart,
Tunc lucet ei Veritas ; Then truth begins to
shine ;
Mundi vilescit vanitas, Then earthly vanities
depart,
Et intus fervet charitas. Then kindles love
divine.
Jesu dulcedo cordium, O Jesus ! light of all
below !
Fons vivus, lumen men- Thou fount of life and
tium, fire !
Excedens omne gaudium, Surpassing all the joys
we know,
Et omne desiderium. All that we can desire.
Jesum omnes agnoscite. May every heart confess
Thy name,
Amorem ejus poscite ; And ever Thee adore ;
Jesum ardenter quaerite, And seeking Thee, itself
inflame
Quaerendo inardescite. To seek Thee more and
more.
Various Devotions
595
Te nostra, Jesu, vox, sonet,
Nostrite mores exprimant ;
Te corda nostra diligant
Et nunc, et in perpetuum.
Amen.
V. Sit nomen Domini
benedictum.
R. Ex hoc nunc, et
usque in saeculum.
Thee may our tongues
forever bless ;
Thee may we love alone;
And ever in our lives ex-
press
The image of Thine own.
V. Blessed be the name
of the Lord.
R. From henceforth
now and for evermore.
Oremus
*1^EUS, qui unigenitum
JLJ Filium tuum con-
stituisti humani generis
salvatorem, et Jesum vo-
cari jussisti : concede pro-
pi tins ; ut cujus sanctum
nomen veneramur in ter-
ris, ejus quoque aspectu
perfruamur in coelis. Per
eumdem Christum Do-
minum nostrum.
x\men.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who didst ap-
point thine only-be-
gotten Son Saviour of
mankind, and didst com-
mand that He should be
called Jesus ; mercifully
grant that we may enjoy
the vision of Him in
heaven, Whose holy name
we venerate on earth.
Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Amen.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII, by a rescript of
the S. Congr. of Indulgences, June 13, 1815, granted
to all the faithful, every time that they shall recite,
with at least contrite heart and devotion, these psalms,
hymns, antiphons, and prayers : i. An indulgence of
7 years and 7 quarantines. 2. A plenary indulgence
once a month, to any one who shall recite them every
596
Various Devotions
day for a month, on any day, when, after confession
and communion, he shall pray for the intention of the
Sovereign Pontiff. 3. A plenary indulgence on the
feast of the most holy name of Jesus (the second
Sunday after Epiphany), to all those, who, having
recited them frequently in the course of the year, be-
ing truly penitent, after confession and communion,
shall pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
The same Pope, Pius VH, by another rescript of
the same S. Congr., Nov. 13, 1821, added: a plenary
indulgence on the feast of the Circumcision of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, Jan. i, and on that of Jesus of
Nazareth, Oct. 23, for those who, being truly penitent,
after confession and communion, shall pray devoutly
for some time for the intention of his Holiness, pro-
vided that they have the pious practice of reciting
these psalms, hymns, antiphons, and prayers, every
day, for a month.
^fee Mvinc ipraieee
An Ad of Reparation for Profane Language
BLESSED be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of
the Altar.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most' i
holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be the name of ]\Iary, virgin and mother.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.
Various Devotions
597
Indulgence of i year, each time ; of 2 years, when
said pubUcly after Mass or Benediction. — Pius VII,
July 23, 1801; Pius IX, Aug. 8, 1847; Leo XIII,
Feb. 2, 1897.
I^eparattnn to tfje l^olg Name of ^esus
HEN we recall the blasphemies which ever have
been, and are now more than ever, uttered
against the holy and saving name of Jesus, it would
seem unnecessary to suggest any form of reparation
to those who love Our Lord, and who are animated
with zeal for His glory. Nevertheless, even among
such, a certain negligence will insinuate itself which,
if not guarded against, will become habitual, until at
length a coldness will gradually and almost impercep-
tibly take possession of hearts that once were loving
and devoted. Let us suffer no occasion to pass of
making reparation to that sacred name, for in doing
so we shall console the Sacred Heart.
^ct of l^eparattott to tije fHost i^olg Name of 5rsus
^Esus, admirable above all names, holiest of
all that are holy, and sweeter than that of all
names most beloved by men ; I offer Thee the praise,
adoration, love, and every kind of homage that has
ever been offered Thee in heaven or upon earth, all
that is now rendered Thee, and will be rendered
Thee throughout eternity, in reparation for the blas-
' phemies and the insults Thou receivest from the im-
j] pious. I offer Thee the love with which faithful and
I* consecrated souls constantly pronounce Thee with
their lips and in their heart, the innocence with which
little children lisp Thee, and the trusting confidence
598
Various Devotions
with which dying Christians invoke Thee with their
last sigh. I offer Thee, above all, the tender love and
reverence with which Mary and Joseph pronounced
that adorable name when they spoke to Thee on
earth, and finally, the profound veneration with
which the Archangel Gabriel uttered it, when he an-
nounced at Nazareth the mystery of the Incarnation.
I desire to honor that holy name all the days of my
life, and to praise it throughout eternity. I will in-
voke it in my temptations, in my sorrows and dis-
couragements, and if ever I hear it profaned or treated
with levity, I will make acts of loving reparation in
my heart, and if possible with my lips.
Sweet Name of Jesus, be Thou loved, praised, and
glorified forever and ever. Amen.^
Aspirations to tfje J^olg Name in i^eparatton for
felaspfjemies
1. ^ESUS I
2. cJ Jesus, my Lord, my God, and my All !
3. Praised be Jesus Christ forever.
4. Blessed be the name of Jesus.
5. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament
of the Altar.
6. Jesus, have mercy on us.
7. Sweet name of Jesus, may all poor sinners
call upon Thee, and so find mercy.
8. Most holy name of Jesus, be Thou the comfort
and the strength of those who are in their agony.
9. I praise and love Thee, dearest Lord, for in
Thy name is our salvation.
10. Hail, Jesus, King of heaven and earth, hallowed
by Thy name. Thy kingdom come !
1 " Voice of the Sacred Heart."
Various Devotions
599
11. 0 bone Jesus, esto 7niJii Jcsii !
0 good Jesus, be to me Jesus I
O merciful Jesus, be to us all a Jesus, a Saviour !
12. Hail, Jesus, joy of angels and of saints, I adore
and bless Thy holy name, and pray that it may be
known and loved throughout the world.
13. I praise and love Thee, dearest Lord; holy is
Thy name.
14. Holy, holy, holy, is the sacred name of Jesus,
the Saviour of the world !
Jesus I Mary !
INVOCATION OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS TOGETHER
WITH THE BLESSED NAME OF MARY
Jesus! Alary!
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Oct. 10, 1904.
/ I T the name of Jesus let every knee bow of those that
^Jr^ are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth ; and
let every tongue confess that Our Lord Jesus Christ is in
the glory of God the Father.
J Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J
Jesus, have mercy on us, 0 God of compassion, and for-
give the many and great offenses we have committed in Thy
^{je i^salter of 3t%ViS
P.\RT I
First Petition
sight.
6oo
Various Devotions
Many have been the follies of our lives and great are the
miseries we have deserved for our ingratitude.
Have mercy on us, dear Jesus, for we are weak ; O Lord,
heal us who are unable to help ourselves.
DeHver us from setting our hearts upon any of Thy crea-
tures, which may divert our eyes from a continual looking
up to Thee.
Grant us grace henceforth, for the love of Thee, to hate
sin, and, out of a just esteem of Thee, to despise all worldly
vanities.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee ; turn
their vices into virtues, and making them true observers
of Thy law, and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bHss
in everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory, for Thy
bitter Passion, we beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious
name, Jesus.
O Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.^
Second Petition
Esus, Jesus, Jesus, 1
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, y Help us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, '
Jesus, help us to overcome all temptations to sin, and the
malice of our ghostly enemy.
Help us to spend our time in virtuous actions, and in
such labors as are acceptable to Thee.
To render our hearts enamored of virtue, and inflamed
with a strong desire of Thy glorious presence.
Help us to deserve and keep a good name, by a peaceful
and pious living to Thy honor, O Jesus, our own comfort,
and the benefit of others.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
^Have mercy, etc.; O Blessed Trinity, etc.; Our Father, etc., \
are repeated at the end of every petition.
V arious Devotions
6oi
Third Petition
'yESUs, Jesus, Jesus, ]
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, r Strengthen us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J
Jesus, strengthen us in soul and body, to please Thee in
executing such works of mercy as may bring us to ever-
lasting joy and fehcity.
Grant us a firm purpose, most merciful Saviour, to
amend our lives and atone for the years past.
Those years which we have misspent to Thy displeasure,
in vain or wicked thoughts, words, deeds, and evil customs.
Make our hearts obedient to Thy will, and ready for Thy
love, to perform every work of mercy.
Grant us the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, through a
virtuous life and a devout frequenting of Thy most holy
sacraments, may at length bring us to Thy heavenl}/ king-
dom.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Fourth Petition
Esus, Jesus, Jesus, ]
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, r Comfort us.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 1
Jesus, comfort us, and grant us grace to place our chief,
||' our only joy and felicity in Thee.
i Send us heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetnesses
and fervent desires of Thy glory ; fill our souls with the
1 contemplation of heaven, where we shall everlastingly
!' dwell with Thee.
I Bring often to our remembrance Thine unspeakable
i goodness. Thy gifts, and the great mercy which Thou
j hast shown us.
|i And when Thou bringest to our minds the sad remem-
' brance of our sins, whereby we have so ungratefully of-
fended Thee,
Comfort us with the assurance of obtaining Thy grace
6o2
Various Devotions
by the spirit of perfect repentance, which may cleanse away
our guilt, and prepare us for Thy kingdom.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Fifth Petition
^Esus, Jesus, Jesus, \
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 1- Make us constant.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J
Jesus, make us constant in faith, hope, and charity ; give
us perseverance in all virtues, and a resolution never to
offend Thee.
Let the memory of Thy Passion, and of those bitter pains
Thou didst suffer for us, strengthen our patience, and sup-
port us in all tribulation and adversity.
Let us always hold fast the doctrines of the Catholic
Church, and render us diligent frequenters of all holy duties.
Let no false delight of this deceitful world blind us, no
evil temptation or fraud of the devil shake our hearts.
Those hearts, which have forever set up their rest in
Thee, and resolved to undervalue all for Thy eternal re-
ward.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, being made
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hear these our petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and
grant us Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider
them, that they may prove easy steps whereby our souls
may ascend to the knowledge, love, and performance of
our duty to Thee and our neighbor, through the whole
course of our lives.
R. Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Creed.
Various Devotions
603
PART II
At the name of Jesus, etc.
Sixth Petition
yjesusS, 1 Enlighten us with spiritual wis-
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 1
Jesus, enlighten us with spiritual wisdom, that we may
know Thy goodness, and all those things which are most
acceptable to Thee.
Grant us a clear apprehension of our only good, and dis-
cretion to order our lives according to it.
Grant that we may wisely proceed from virtue to virtue,
until at length we arrive at the clear vision of Thy glorious
J majesty.
|. Permit us not, dear Lord, to return to those sins for which
I we have sorrowed, and from which we have been cleansed
by confession.
I Grant us grace to benefit the souls of others, by our good
\ example, and to assist those by good counsel whom Thou
hast confided to our care.
Have mercy, etc.
I Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
jS Father, etc.
Seventh Petition
Esus, Jesus, Jesus, ]
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, r Grant us grace to fear Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I
Jesus, grant us grace inwardly to fear Thee, and to avoid
I all occasions of offending Thee.
II Let the threats of the torments which are to fall on
'l sinners, the fear of losing Thy love and Thy heavenly in-
heritance, always keep us in awe.
Let us not dare to remain in sin, but return soon to re-
j pentance, lest, through Thine anger, the dreadful sentence
1^ of endless death and damnation fall upon us.
6o4
Various Devotions
Let the powerful intercession of Thy blessed Mother, and
all Thy saints, but above all, Thine own merits and
mercy, O my Saviour, ever be between Thine avenging
justice and our poor souls.
Enable us, O my God, to work out our salvation with
fear and trembling, and let the apprehension of Thy secret
judgments render us more humble and diligent supplicants
at the throne of Thy grace.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Eighth Petition
Esus, Jesus, Jesus, ]
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, y Grant us grace to love Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, j
Jesus, grant us grace truly to love Thee, for Thine infi-
nite goodness, and those excessive bounties we have re-
ceived, and hope forever to receive, from Thee.
Let the remembrance of Thy goodness and patience
conquer the mahce and wretched inclinations of our per-
verse nature.
Let the consideration of Thy many dehverances, Thy
frequent calls, and continual assistance in the ways of life
make us ashamed of our ingratitude.
And what dost Thou require of us for all Thy mercies, or
by them, but to love Thee ? and why dost Thou require it,
but because Thou art our onty good ?
O dear Lord, our whole life shall be nothing but a desire
of Thee and because we indeed love Thee, we will most
diligently keep Thy commandments.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Ni7ith Petition
^Esus, Jesus, Jesus, | q^^^^ remember
^ Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ^^^^g
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, <
Jesus, grant us grace always to remember our death,
Various Devotions
605
and the great account we are th@n to give; that so our
souls, being always well disposed, may depart out of this
world in Thy grace.
Then by the holy intercession of Thy blessed Mother,
and the assistance of the glorious St. Michael, deliver us
from the enemy of our souls : and do thou, our good angel,
we beseech thee, help us at that most important hour.
Then, dear Jesus, remember Thy mercy and turn not
Thy most amiable face away from us, because of our of-
fenses.
Secure us against the terrors of that day, by causing us
to die daily to earthly things, and to have our conversation
continually in heaven.
Let the remembrance of Thy death teach us to esteem
our lives, and the memory of Thy resurrection encourage
us to descend cheerfully into the grave.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Tenth Petition
^Esus, Jesus, Jesus, ]
J Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, y Send us here our purgatory.
Jesus, Jesus Jesus, J
Jesus, send us here our purgatory, and so prevent the
torments of that cleansing fire which awaits those souls
in the next world that have not been sufficiently cleansed
in this.
1 Vouchsafe to grant us those merciful crosses and afilic-
1] tions which Thou seest necessary for taking off our affec-
I tions from all things here below.
Since none can see Thee who love anything which is not
for Thy sake, suffer not our hearts to find any rest here
i but in sighing after Thee.
Too bitter, alas ! will be the anguish of a soul which is
, separated from Thee, which desires, but can not come to
' Thee, being bound with the heavy chains of sin.
Here then, O my Saviour, keep us continually mortified
to this world, that, being purified thoroughly by the fire
6o6
Various Devotions
of Thy love, we may immediately pass from hence into
Thine everlasting possession.
Have mercy, etc. Our Lord Jesus, etc.
Hear these, etc. Our Father, etc.
Hail Mary, etc. Creed.
PART III
At the name of Jesus, etc.
Eleventh Petition
^ Esus, Tesus, Jesus, 1 r> . . 'j j
J^sus, Jesus, Jesus, | company.
Jesus, grant us grace to avoid bad company and to shun
the society of the worldly; but when duty or accident
brings us into contact with them, we beseech Thee, by the
sanctity of Thy conversation among sinners, to defend us
and preserve us from being overcome by any temptations
to mortal sin.
Cause us, O blessed Lord, to remember always with
dread that Thou art present and will take an account of
all our words and actions, and judge us according to them.
Repress in us, dear Jesus, all inordinate affection for the
pleasures of taste and of sense, and grant us grace to avoid;
all such as would excite the fire of these unhappy appetites.
Thy power defend, Thy wisdom direct, Thy fatherly
pity chastise us and make us live so here among men that
we may be fit for the conversation of angels hereafter.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee, turn ^
their vices into virtues, and making them true observers
of Thy law, and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in
everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory, for Thy bitter I
Passion, we beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name,_
Jesus. '
O Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on us.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Various Devotions
607
Twelfth Petition
q^Esus, Jesus, Jesus, | ^^^^^ ^^11 r^^^^
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ f^j. ^gj^^
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, j ^'
Jesus, grant us grace in all our necessities to call on Thee
for help, faithfully remembering Thy death and resurrec-
tion for us.
Wilt Thou be deaf to our cries. Who wouldst lay down
Thy life for our ransom ? or canst Thou not save us, Who
couldst take it up again for our crown ?
Whom have we in heaven but Thee, O dear Jesus, Whose
blessed mouth has pronounced : "Call on Me in the day of
trouble and I will deliver thee" ?
Thou art our sure rock of defense against all sorts of
enemies; Thou art our ready grace able to strengthen us
in every good work.
Therefore in all our sufferings, in all our weakness and
temptations, we will confidently call on Thee ; hear us, O
Jesus, and when Thou hearest, have mercy.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Thirteenth Petition
Esus, Jesus, Jesus, 1
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, [ Make us persevere in virtue.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I
Jesus, make us persevere in virtue and a good life, and
never relinquish Thy service, till Thou bringest us to our
reward in Thy kingdom. In all pious customs and holy
duties, in our daily and necessary employments, continue
and strengthen, O Lord, both our souls and bodies.
Is our life anything iDut a pilgrimage on earth toward
the new Jerusalem, to which he that sits down, or turns
out of the way, can never arrive ? O Jesus, make us always
consider, through how much pain, and how little pleasure.
Thou didst press on to a bitter death, that being the way to
a glorious resurrection.
6o8
Various Devotions-
Make us, O dear Redeemer, seriously weigh those severe
words of Thine : "He only that perseveres to the end shall
be saved."
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Fourteenth Petition
^Esus, Jesus, Jesus, 1 . . c • j
e) Jesus, Jesus, JesuL, [ ^'^f^^ ^'^^^ ^°
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J
Jesus, grant us grace to fix our minds on Thee, especially
in time of prayer, when we directly converse with Thee.
Stop the fancies of our wandering heads, and the desires
of our unstable hearts ; suppress the power of our spiritual
enemies who endeavor to draw our minds from heavenly
thoughts to many vain imaginations.
So shall we, with joy and gratitude, look on Thee as our
deliverer from all the evils we have escaped, and as our
benefactor for all the good we have received or can hope for.
We shall see that Thou Thyself art our only good, and
that all other things are but means ordained by Thee to
make us fix our minds on Thee, to make us love Thee more
and more, and, by loving Thee, to be eternally happy.
O beloved of our souls, take up all our thoughts here,
that our eyes, abstaining from all worldly vanities, may
become worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory
forever.
Have mercy, etc.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
Fifteenth Petition
'/esus, Jesus, Jesus, 1 Grant us grace to order our
0/ Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 1- lives toward our eternal wel-
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J fare.
Jesus, grant us grace to order our lives toward our eternal
w^elfare, heartily intending and wisely designing all the
operations of our souls and bodies for obtaining the reward
of Thine infinite bliss and eternal felicity.
Various Devotions
609
For what else is this world but a school to cultivate souls
and fit them for the other world? And how are they to
be fitted but by an eager desire of enjoying God, their only
end? Break our froward spirits, O Jesus; make us
humble and obedient ; grant us grace to depart hence with
contempt of this world and hearts filled with joy at our
going to Thee.
Let the memory of Thy passion make us cheerfully un-
dergo all temptations and sufferings here for Thy love, whilst
our souls breathe after that blissful hfe and immortal glory
which Thou hast prepared in heaven for Thy servants.
O Jesus, let us frequently and attentively consider, that
whatsoever we gain, if we lose Thee, all is lost; and what-
soever we lose, if we gain Thee, all is gained.
Have mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee, turn
their vices into virtues, and making them true observers of
Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in
everlasting glory.
Have mercy also on the souls in purgatory for Thy
bitter Passion, we beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name,
Jesus. O Blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy
on us.
Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, becoming
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. ii. 8).
Hear these our petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and
grant us Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider
them, that they may prove easy steps whereby our souls
may ascend to the knowledge, love, and performance of our
duty to Thee and our neighbor through the whole course of
our lives.
R. Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. Creed.
'^^pixdiiion to Jesus, ntg JFrientJ
By Ven. Claude de la Colombiere, S.J.
O JESUS ! You are my true Friend, my only Friend.
^ You take a part in all my misfortunes. You take them
: on Yourself ; You know how to change them into blessings.
6io
Various Devotions
You listen to me with the greatest kindness when I relate
my troubles to You, and You have always balm to pour on
my wounds. I find You everywhere. You never go away !
If I have to change my dwelling, I find You there wherever
I go. You are never weary of listening to me. You are
never tired of doing me good. I am certain of being be-
loved by You if I love You ; my goods are nothing to You,
and by bestowing Yours on me You never grow poor ; how-
ever miserable I may be, no one more noble or holier can
come between You and me and deprive me of Your friend-
ship ; and Death, which tears us away from all other
friends, will unite me forever to You. All the humilia-
tions attached to old age, or to the loss of honor, will never
detach You from me ; on the contrary, I shall never enjoy
You more fully, and You will never be closer to me than
when everything seems to conspire against me, to over-
whelm me, and to cast me down.
You bear with all my faults with extreme patience, and
even my want of fidelity and my ingratitude do not wound
You to such a degree as to make You unwilling to receive
me back when I return to You, or to come to me when I
call on You. O Jesus ! grant that I may die praising You,
that I may die for the love of You. Amen.
tfje J^olg Name of Jesus
O JESUS, sweet Jesus, O Jesus divine.
My life and my death unto Thee I resign :
Every action of mine shall Thy patronage claim;
For whatever T do shall be done in Thy Name.
If I walk, sweetest Jesus my footsteps shall guide ;
If I sit, dearest Jesus shall be by my side ;
And the greatest of joys I shall deem it to be.
In the night-time to watch, O my Jesus, with Thee.
When, with sleep overcome, my eyelids shall close.
Still breathing Thy love will I take my repose ;
And when using my pen it shall be my delight
The adorable Name of my Jesus to write.
Various Devotions
6ii
If I pray, sweetest Jesus my words shall prepare ;
When fatigued, to my Jesus I'll offer my care ;
For however with sorrow or labor oppress'd.
In the love of my Jesus I'll seek for my rest.
When sick, my physician sweet Jesus shall be,
And for comfort I'll turn, O my Jesus, to Thee ;
In Thy bosom, O Jesus, I trust I shall die ;
With confidence there I shall breathe my last sigh.
And when the cold turf shall be laid over me.
Thy name and Thy cross shall my epitaph be.
— Leaflets.
% Bailg (iBljlation to Jesus
DOR ABLE Jesus ! divine model of that perfection to
which all Christians should aspire, I will endeavor
this day, after Thy example, to be mild, humble, chaste,
zealous, patient, charitable, and resigned. Incline my
heart, O Lord ! to keep Thy commandments. I am re-
solved to watch over myself with the greatest diligence and
circumspection, and to live soberly, justly, and piously for
the time to come. I will place a guard on my mouth, and
a gate of prudence before my lips, that I may not offend
with my tongue. I will turn away my eyes, that they may
not see vanity ; and I will be particularly attentive not to
relapse this day into my accustomed failings, but to struggle '
against them, and, with Thy gracious assistance, correct
them. Enlighten my mind, O Lord, purify my heart, and
guide my steps, that I may pass all my life in Thy divine
service. Amen.
%\\ f0r Jestts
OOD Lord ! I ask that this short day
Be spent for Thee and Thine ;
Beloved ! Grant its every hour
May reach Thy Heart Divine.
Let not my foolish love of praise
Rob work or prayer from Thee.
Jesus ! From pride, from self, from sin,
May this one day be free. T pni^pi^
6l2
Various Devotions
BtijQtian ta tije l^olg Name of Jesus
IF we are in affliction, let us invoke Jesus, and He will
console us. If we are tempted, let us invoke Jesus, and
He will give us strength to withstand all our enemies. If,
lastly, we are in aridity, and are cold in divine love, let us
invoke Jesus, and He will inflame our hearts. Happy are
they who have this most tender and holy name always on
their lips ! A name of peace, a name of hope, a name of
salvation, and a name of love.
INCE, then, O my Jesus ! Thou art the Saviour
Who hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me, I
pray Thee to write Thy adorable name on my poor heart ;
so that, having it always there imprinted by love, I may also
have it ever on my lips, by invoking it in all my necessi-
ties. If the devil tempts me. Thy name will give me strength
to resist him ; if I lose confidence, Thy name will animate
me to hope; if I am in affliction. Thy name will comfort
me by reminding me of all Thou didst endure for me. If I
find myself cold in Thy love. Thy name will inflame me by
reminding me of the love Thou hast shown me. If I have
hitherto fallen into so many sins, it is because I did not
call on Thee ; from henceforth Thy name shall be my de-
fense, my refuge, my hope, my only consolation, my only
love. Thus do I hope to live, and so do I hope to die,
having Thy name always on my lips.
Most holy Virgin, obtain for me the grace of invoking
the name of thy Son Jesus in all my necessities together
with thine own, my Mother Mary ; but let me invoke
them always with confidence and love. O my beloved
Jesus ! O Mary, my beloved Lady ! give me the grace to
suffer and to die for love of you. I will be no longer mine
own, but altogether yours; yours in life, and yours in
death, when I hope by your help to expire saying, Jesus
and Mary, help me ; Jesus and Mary, I recommend
myself to you ; Jesus and Mary, I love you, and I deliver
up to you my whole soul.
— From Devotions and Prayers by St. Alphonsus Liguori.
Various Devotions
613
SANCTIFY to Thyself, O my Lord, the hearts of Thy
priests, that, by the merits of Thy sacred humanity,
they may become living images of Thee, children of Mary,
and full of the fire of the Holy Ghost, that they may guard
Thy house, and defend Thy glory, and that through their
ministry the face of the earth may be renewed, and they
may save those souls which have cost Thee all Thy blood.
Amen.
Queen of apostles, pray thy Son, the Lord of the har-
vest, to send laborers into His harvest, and to spare His
people. — Leaflets.
Eo tfjt ilHost <^tot Name of 3tm%
OST sweet, most amiable Jesus, how great and holy
is Thy name — a name full of delight, a name of
good hope — a name that comforts the saint and imparts
strength to the sinner ! What else is the name of Jesus but
Saviour? Therefore, Jesus, for Thine own sake be to me
Jesus. Good Jesus, kind and gentle Jesus, Thou zealous
lover of souls ; for the sake of this Thy blessed name, do
to me according to Thy name. Lest I perish be to me
Jesus! O Jesus, have mercy on me, while yet there is
time for mercy : do not condemn me at the day of judg-
ment. Thy name is our glory and our salvation, our ever-
lasting hope and protection, our battlement impregnable,
and our defense that can not fail. O Jesus, O my Saviour,
my Lord and my God, my only life, blot out all my sins ;
free me from Thy wrath and from the power of the evil
spirits. Open the eyes of my mind, that I may learn to
despise with a pure heart everything that is merely of earth,
whether pleasing or displeasing, and may think only of
the things that are of heaven and eternal; and may my
soul attain the strength to be forever intent upon the
contemplation of eternal blessings. Faithful Jesus,
kindly Jesus, Jesus full of mercy, admit me into the num-
6i4
Various Devotions
ber of Thy elect ; that with them I may deserve to serve
and praise and glorify Thee now and forever. Amen.
— Adapted from Devotions for Holy Communion,
i^ragers to &U Bmim
I
Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst found the Church with
Thy precious blood, and by the preaching of the
apostles didst establish, propagate, and extend it through-
out the whole world, and thereafter didst commission the
holy patriarch Dominic to adorn, illustrate, and defend it
with the splendor of his merits and doctrine ; graciously
hear the prayers which this apostolic man incessantly offers
to Thee for the increase of her treasures, both spiritual
and temporal. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
II
OST merciful Redeemer, Who didst choose as Thy
fellow-laborer for the salvation of souls St. Dominic,
who by his zeal, aided by Thy grace, gained over to the
Church so many heretics who had been lost to her, and so
many sinners who had grieved her by their obstinacy ; send,
O my God, ever fresh laborers into Thy vineyard to work
for Thy glory, and gather in the fruits of eternal life.
Pater, Ave, Gloria.
Ill
OGOOD Jesus, Who didst delight to see St. Dominic pros-
trate every night before Thy altar, adoring Thee hid-
den in the most holy sacrament with most lively faith,
and offering up, now groans, now prayers, now pen-
ances on behalf of the Church, at that time persecuted by
her enemies and profaned by her servants ; defend this Thy
Spouse through the intercession of St. Dominic from the
outrages and plots of the infernal enemy of mankind.
Pater, Ave, Gloria.
V. Pray for us, St. Dominic.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Various Devotions
Let us pray
^^RANT, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who
\S) are weighed down by the burden of our sins may be
raised up by the patronage of Thy blessed confessor Dom-
inic. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Julv
21, 1883.
*T 'ET nothing trouble thee,
1 1 i Let nothing af right thee.
All things pass away,
God never changes.
Patience obtains everything.
God alone suffices/
When crosses would afflict thee,
Oh ! let thy watchword be,
Thy holy Mother's lesson,
"Let nothing trouble thee.''
If darkness round thee gathers,
And fills thy soul with fear,
"Let nothing e'er af right theCy'
She whispers in thy ear.
In every joy or sorrow
WHiich meets thee day by day,
She bids thee to remember
"That all things pass away."
If lonely or forsaken.
By friends thou art forgot,
Thy Spouse, she doth remind thee,
"Is one that changeth not."
Wh.tn hope within thee wavers,
And distant seems the goal,
How patience winneth all things^
She tells thy weary soul,
6i6
Various Devotions
That nothing in the wide world
Is needful unto one
Whose happy soul possesses
God's own eternal Son.
To drink the living waters
At any cost or price,
To quench thy thirst she whispers,
^^God only doth suffice.^'
Oh ! sweet, seraphic Mother, I
May these dear words of thine
Help to unite me closer
U nto my Spouse divine ! — Leaflets.
^Pragcr for JFeriJor
'T^earest Jesus ! teach me to be generous, teach me to
fjLJ love Thee as Thou deservest, to give and not to count
the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and
not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask reward, save
to feel that I do Thy will, m}^ God. Amen.
— Leaflets.
Prager for (^rratcr ILobe of 3t%u%
OMY Jesus, Thou knowest well that I love Thee; but
I do not love Thee enough ; O grant that I may love
Thee more. O love that burnest ever and never failest,
my God, Thou Who art charity itself, enkindle in my
heart that divine fire which consumes the saints and trans-
forms them into Thee. x\men.
An indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 6, 1893.
ilrager to Jesus, for a J^olg ILtfe anti a Jgappg iBeatfj
RANT US, Lord Jesus, always to follow the example
of Thy holy family, that at the hour of our death
Thy glorious Virgin Mother with blessed Joseph may come
Various Devotions
617
to meet us, and so we may deserve to be received by Thee
into Thy everlasting dwelling-place.
An indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 25, 1897.
^Pragcr in '^onox of t\)t ^3 ass ton anti Bratfj of <Bnx
^aiJiour
OGoD, Who for the world's redemption wast pleased
to be born, circumcised, rejected by the Jews, be-
trayed b}' the kiss of the traitor Judas, bound with chains,
led like an innocent lamb to sacrifice, and shamefully pre-
sented before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod, accused
by false witnesses, beaten with whips, buffeted, insulted,
spit upon, crowned with thorns, smitten with a reed, blind-
folded, stripped of Thy garments, fastened with nails to
the cross, and Hfted up on high, reputed among thieves, and
made to drink gall and vinegar, and wounded by a lance ;
oh, by these most sacred sufferings, which, unworthy as
I am, I thus commemorate, and by Thy holy cross and
death, deliver me. Lord, from the pains of hell, and deign to
lead me where Thou didst lead the penitent thief, who was
crucified by Thy side ; Thou Who, with the Father and the
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.,
five times.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII, by a decree of the
Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, Aug. 25, 1820, granted
to all the faithful who, with at least contrite heart and
devotion, shall say this prayer, and the Our Father, the Hail
Mary, and the Glory be to the Father, each five times, an in-
^ dulgence of three hundred days, once a day, also a plenary
indulgence, on any one of the last three days of the month,
to all those w^ho, having said these prayers every day for a
month, and being truly penitent, after confession and com-
^ munion shall pray devoutly for some time for the intention
of His Holiness.
6i8
Various Devotions
<Scben (i^iiexin^s of tfje Predous ISlooH of Jesus Cljrist
I. /^TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
V-^ precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, rny
Saviour and my God, for my dear Mother, the holy Church,
that she may enlarge her borders and be magnified among
all the nations of the earth ; for the safety and well-being
of her visible head, the sovereign Roman Pontiff; for the
cardinals, bishops, and pastors of souls ; and for all the min-
isters of Thy sanctuary.
Then say the Glory be to the Father, and the ejacu-
lation. Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus, Who with
His blood hath saved us !
II. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour
and my God, for peace and union among all Catholic kings
and princes, for the humiliation of the enemies of our holy
faith, and for the welfare of all Christian people.
Glory be to the Father, and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
III. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour
and my God, for the repentance of unbelievers, for the
uprooting of heresy, and for the conversion of sinners.
Glory be to the Father, and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
IV. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my
Saviour and my God, for all my kindred, friends, and
enemies ; for the poor, the sick, and wretched ; and for all
for whom Thou, my God, knowest that I ought to pray,
or wouldst have me pray.
Glory be to the Father, and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
V. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour ,
and my God, for all who, this day, are passing to the other
life ; that Thou wouldst save them from the pains of hell, i
and admit them quickl}^ to the possession of Thy glory, l
Various Devotions
619
Glory be to the Father, and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
VI. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the pre-
cious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and
my God, for all those who love this great treasure ; for those
who join with me in adoring it and honoring it, and who
strive to spread devotion to it.
Glory be to the Father, and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
VH. Eternal Father ! I offer Thee the merit of the
precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour
and my God, for aU my Vv^ants, spiritual and temporal, in
aid of the holy souls in purgatory, and chiefly for those who
most loved this precious blood, the price of our redemption,
and who were most devout to the sorrows and pains of
most holy Mary, our dear Mother.
Glory be to the Father and Blessing and thanksgiv-
ing, etc.
Glory be to the blood of Jesus, now and forever, and
throughout all ages. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius VII, Sept. 22,
181 7. Plenary indulgence once a month, under usual
conditions.
Cnbocation of $t» ^ijomas Aquinas to tfje Cross
aRUX mihi certa ^^he Cross is my sure
salus. Crux est quam salvation. The Cross
semper adoro. Crux I ever adore. The Cross
Domini mecum. Crux of my Lord is with me.
mihi refugium. The Cross is my refuge.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. 21, 1874.
lEjaculation in l^onor of (Jrucificti ^abtour
*V I'doramus te, Sanctis- ■ *e adore Thee, most
I (%/^* sime Domine Jesu vJcA* holy Lord Jesus
} Christe, benedicimus tibi ; Christ, we bless Thee ;
620 Various Devotions
quia per sanctam crucem because by Thy holy
tuam redemisti mundum. Cross Thou hast redeemed
the world.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 4, 1882.
lEjaculatton to be 5atti in i^eparattcn for
i3laspl}£ttttes
£^TERNAL Father, by the most precious
blood of Jesus Christ, glorify His most
holy name^ according to the intention and
the desires of His adorable Heart.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Jan. 27, 1908.
TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the precious
blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for
my sins, and for the wants of holy Church.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius VII,
Sept. 22, 1817.
/Iftontb of June
To gain the indulgences of 7 years and 7 quaran-
tines each day, and a plenary indulgence during the
month or first eight days of July on the usual condi-
tions : confession, communion, visit to a church,
and prayer according to the intention of the Pope,
any form of devotion, public or private, may be used.
If it be in public, ten attendances suffice for the plen-
Various Devotions
621
ary indulgence. If in private, the devotion must be
: practised daily throughout the month.
Plenary indulgence on June 30, every time a visit is
made to a church where the month of the Sacred
Heart has been solemnly observed, conditions as
above.
Indulgence of 500 days to promoters of this devotion
whenever they do any good work calculated to prop-
agate or make better observed this month of the
Sacred Heart.
Plenary indulgence to the same persons for every
communion made in June. The privilege of the
Gregorian altar is conferred on the preacher of the
month and the Rector of the church where the month
has been duly observed, available for their Masses
on June 30.
Note. — The solemn observance of June contem-
plated in the last three indulgences mentioned, im-
phes discourses, either daily, or at least for eight days,
i after the manner of spiritual exercises. The month
may be concluded on the last Sunday of the month.
It may be observed in the semi-public chapels or semi-
naries, and communities. It may be transferred to
. another month by leave of the bishop. — Pius X,
Jan. 26, 1908.
^cts of Jgomage to tfje lEucfjarfsttc |§eart of 3tsus
I
PRAYER
N.B. — This Devotion does not substantially differ from
■' j the ordinary Devotion to the Sacred Heart. It merely
:' emphasizes the Act of Supreme Love of that Heart in be-
^' ' stowing the gift of the Holy Eucharist upon us. — "The
1- ' Raccolta."
622
Various Devotions
'np^EART of Jesus in the Eucharist, sweet
companion in our exile, I adore Thee.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus,
Heart solitary, Heart humiliated,
Heart abandoned, Heart forgotten,
Heart despised. Heart outraged,
Heart ignored by men.
Heart, lover of Our hearts,
Heart desirous of being loved.
Heart patient in waiting for us,
Heart eager to hear us.
Heart longing to be prayed to,
Heart source of new graces,
Heart wrapped in silence, desiring to speak to
souls, ^
Heart, the sweet refuge of the hidden life,
Heart, teacher of the secrets of union with
God,
Heart of Him who sleeps yet ever watches,
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have pity on us.
Jesus, victim, I desire to console Thee.
I unite myself to Thee, and sacrifice myself
with Thee.
I annihilate myself in Thy presence.
I would forget myself to be mindful of Thee.
I would be forgotten and despised for love of
Thee.
And be neither understood nor loved, unless
by Thee.
Various Devotions
623
I will silence myself to listen to Thee, I will
abandon myself to lose myself in Thee.
Grant that I may thus appease Thy thirst,
the thirst for my sanctification and salvation,
and that being purified I may bestow on Thee
a pure and true love.
I would not longer weary Thy patience;
take possession of me, I give myself to Thee.
I offer Thee all my actions, my intellect to
be illuminated by Thee, my heart to be guided
by Thee, my will to be made strong, my soul
and body to be nourished, my misery to be
lightened.
Eucharistic Heart of my Jesus, whose blood
is the life of my soul, may it be no longer I
that live but do thou alone live in me. Amen.
II
ACT OF CONSECRATION
fVESUS, adorable Lord, hidden in Thy sacra-
c) ment of love. Thou Who abidest with us
to sweeten our exile, should I not occupy
myself in consoling Thee in Thine ? To Thee
!| Who givest me Thy Heart, how should I not
offer Thee mine ?
Truly, to give myself to Thee is to benefit
myself ; it is to find an ineffable treasure, a
heart, loving, disinterested,, and faithful, such
as I would wish my own to be. I can not be
624 Various Devotions
forever receiving, and giving nothing in return.
Dear Lord, I could never vie with Thee in
generosity, but I love Thee ; deign to accept
my poor heart, and though it is worthless,
yet because Thou lovest it it may become
something by Thy grace; make it good and
take it into Thy custody.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, I consecrate to
Thee all the powers of my soul, and all the
powers of my body ; I desire to apply myself
to the work of knowing Thee and loving Thee
ever more and more, in order to make Thee
better known and loved by others. I would
do nothing except what tends to Thy glory,
nor act in anything but as Thy divine Father
wills. I consecrate to Thee all the moments
of my life in a spirit of adoration before Thy
real presence, in a spirit of thanksgiving for
this incomparable gift, of reparation for our
cruel indifference, and of incessant suppHca-
tion, so that our prayers offered to Thee, with
Thee, and in Thee may rise to the throne of
divine mercy pure and efficacious, and for
God's eternal glory. Amen.
Ill
EJACULATION
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, on fire with
love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Various Devotions 625
IV
ACT OF REPARATION
UCHARiSTic Heart of my God, living and
beating under the veil of the sacred
species, I adore Thee.
Aloved afresh with love for the immense
benefit of the divine Eucharist, penetrated
with sorrow for my ingratitude, I humble and
annihilate myself in the still greater abyss of
Thy mercies.
Thou didst choose me from childhood;
Thou didst not despise my infirmity ; Thou
didst descend into my poor heart, and giving
it happiness and peace, didst invite it to
mutual love ; and I have lost all, by being
unfaithful to Thee, 0 Jesus, my Lord. I
have allowed my spirit to become dissipated
and my heart to grow cold ; I have listened to
my own voice and have forgotten Thee.
Thou wouldst have been my guide, my
counsellor, protector of my life, and I, allow-
ing my passions to destroy the sweet attraction
of Thy presence, have lost sight of Thee and
forgotten Thee.
In the salutary trials of our probation, in
times of joy and consolation, in my difficulties
and necessities, instead of having recourse to
626
Various Devotions
Thee, I have gone after creatures and have
forgotten Thee.
I have forgotten Thee in deserted taber-
nacles, where Thy love languishes, in the
churches of towns where Thou art outraged
in the hearts of the indifferent and sacrilegious,
and in my own sinful heart, O Jesus, as well i
when I approached to receive Thee, as after
receiving Thee.
Eucharistic Heart of my Saviour, the delight
of my first communion and of the days of
my fidelity, I surrender to Thee. Return !
Return! draw me to Thyself afresh. Pardon
me yet again this time ; and I shall hope
everything in the strength of Thy love.
Glorious Archangel St. Michael and thou,
O beloved St. John, offer my reparation to
Jesus and be propitious to me. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days each time, for each of the four
Acts. — Leo XIII, February 6, 1890.
^cts of Hebotton tn ^onor of tfje S^mtti J^eart ^
of icsus f
Suitable for a novena in honor of the Holy Eucha- ^
rist {e.g. J for the feast of Corpus Christi or in honor of 3
the Sacred Heart of Jesus) . y
I. The Word was made Flesh, and dwelt ,|
amongst us.
Various Devotions
627
TERNAL Word, made Man for love of us,
humbly kneeling at Thy feet we adore
Thee with the deepest veneration of our souls ;
and in order that we may repair our ingratitude
for this great benefit of Thy incarnation, we
unite ourselves to the hearts of all those who
love Thee, and together with them we offer
Thee our humble, loving thanksgiving.
Pierced by the excess of humility, goodness,
and sweetness which we behold in Thy divine
Heart, we beseech Thee to give us Thy grace,
that in our lives we, too, may imitate these
virtues so dear to Thee.
Our Father J Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
2. He was crucified also for us; suffered
imder Pontius Pilate, and was buried.
Esus, our loving Saviour, humbly kneeling
at Thy feet we adore Thee with the deepest
veneration of our souls ; and, in order that we
may give Thee proof of the sorrow we feel at
our insensibility to the outrages and sufferings
which Thy loving Heart made Thee undergo
for our salvation in Thy painful Passion and
death, we here unite ourselves with the hearts
of all those who love Thee, and together with
them we give thanks unto Thee with our
whole soul. We wonder at the boundless
patience and generosity of Thy divine Heart ;
628
Various Devotions
and we entreat Thee to fill our hearts with
such a spirit of Christian penance as may
enable us courageously to embrace suffering,
and to make Thy cross our great comfort and
all our glory.
Our Father, Hail M ary, Glory be to the Father.
3. Thou didst give them Bread from heaven
to eat, containing in itself all sweetness.
^Esus, Who dost burn with love for us,
^ humbly kneeling at Thy feet we adore
Thee with the deepest veneration of our souls ;
and, in order to make Thee reparation for the
outrages which Thy divine Heart daily re-
ceives in the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar, Vv^e unite ourselves with the hearts of
all those who love Thee, and give Thee tender-
est thanks. We love in Thy divine Heart
this Thy incomprehensible fire of love to- I
ward thy Eternal Father, and we entreat Thee
to inflame our hearts with ardent charity
toward Thee and toward our neighbor.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, p
i:
*T^, ASTLY, O most loving Jesus, we pray Thee, 9
by the sweetness of Thy divine Heart, J
convert the sinner, console the afflicted, help :
the dying, lighten the pains of the souls in
V arious Devotions
629
purgatory. Make all our hearts one in the
bonds of true peace and charity, deliver us
from sudden and unforeseen death, and grant
us a death holy and peaceful. Amen.
EJACULATION
V. Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Let us pray
RANT, we beseech Thee, almighty God.
that we who glory in the most sacred
Heart of Thy well-beloved Son, and call to
mind the chief benefits of His heavenly cha.rity
toward us, may be gladdened by the opera-
tion and the fruit of those graces in our souls.
Through the same Christ, etc.
O divine Heart of my Jesus I I adore Thee
with all the powers of my soul ; I consecrate
them to Thee forever, together with all my
thoughts, my words, my works, and my whole
self. I purpose to offer to Thee, as far as I am
able, acts of adoration, love, and glory, Uke
unto those which Thou dost offer to Thine
eternal Father. I beseech Thee, be Thou
the reparation for my transgressions, the
protector of my life, my refuge and asylum in
the hour of my death. By Thy sighs, and by
630
Various Devotions
that sea of bitterness in which Thou wast
immersed for me throughout the whole course
of Thy mortal life, grant me true contrition
for my sins, contempt of earthly things, an
ardent longing for the glory of heaven, trust
in Thy infinite merits, and final perseverance
in Thy grace.
Heart of Jesus, all love ! I offer Thee these
humble prayers for myself, and for all who
unite with me in spirit to adore Thee ; vouch-
safe, of Thy infinite goodness, to receive and
to answer them, and especially for that one of
us who shall first end this mortal life. Sweet
Heart of my Saviour, pour down upon him,
in the agony of death. Thine inward con-
solations; place him in Thy sacred wounds;
cleanse him from every stain in that furnace
of love, that so Thou mayest open to him
speedily the entrance into Thy glory, there to
intercede with Thee for all those who yet
tarry in their land of exile.
Most holy Heart of my most loving Jesus,
I purpose to renew these acts of adoration
and these prayers for myself, miserable sinner
that I am, as well as for all who are associated
with me to adore Thee, every moment while
I live, down to the last instant of my life. I
recommend to Thee, my Jesus, the holy
Church, Thy well-beloved Spouse, our own
Various Devotions
631
true Mother, the souls that undergo Thy
justice, ah poor sinners, those who are in
afHiction, the dying, and all mankind — let
not Thy blood be shed in vain for them ; and,
last of all, vouchsafe to receive my poor
prayers for the relief of the souls in purgatory,
and, above all, for those who in the course of
their life were wont devoutly to adore Thee.
Most loving heart of Mary, which, among
the hearts of all creatures of God, art at once
the most pure, most inflamed with love for
Jesus, and most compassionate toward us
poor sinners, gain for us from the Heart of
Jesus our Redeemer all the graces which we
ask of thee. Mother of mercies, one single
throb, one beat of thy heart, all on fire with
love toward the Heart of Jesus, offered to
Him by thee has power to console us to the
full. Only grant us this favor and the Heart
of Jesus, out of that filial love it had and will
ever have for thee, wall not fail to hear and
answer us. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
June 18, 1876.
1Flo\?ena ot tbe SacreD Ibeart
Indulgence of 300 days, each day ; plenary indul-
gence during the novena or octave on the usual con-
ditions.— Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
632
Various Devotions
This no vena may be made for the Feast of the
Sacred Heart, and once during the year as well, with
any form of prayers approved by competent eccle-
siastical authority.
"Ect of (JTnttsecratton to tfje <Sacreti J§eart t
By Blessed Margaret Mary
N.N., give and consecrate to the Sacred
' Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ my person |:
and my life, my actions, penances, and ^
sufferings, that my whole being may be de-
voted to honoring, loving, and glorifying Him. |
It is my irrevocable will to be entirely His,
and to do everything for His love, renouncing I
with my whole heart whatever might displease
Him. i
I take Thee then, O most sacred Heart, as ^
the sole object of my love, as the protector *
of my life, as the pledge of my salvation, as [
the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, [
as the repairer of all the defects of m.y life, and \
as my secure refuge in the hour of death. ^
Be then, 0 Heart of goodness, my justifica-
tion before God the Father, and remove far ^
from me the thunderbolts of His just wrath, v
0 Heart of love, I place my whole confidence ^
in Thee. While I fear all things from my ^
malice and frailty, I hope all things from Thy
goodness. [
Various Devotions
633
Consume then in me whatever can displease
or be opposed to Thee, and may thy pure love
be so deeply impressed upon my heart that
it may be impossible that I should ever be
separated from Thee, or forget Thee.
I implore Thee, by all Thy goodness, that
my name may be written in Thee, for in Thee
I wish to place all my happiness and all my
glory, living and dying in very bondage to
Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the souls in
purgatory. — Leo XIII, June i, 1897.
Note. — This Consecration, which was the first com-
posed by Blessed Alargaret Mary in honor of the
Sacred Heart and called by her ^'The Little Consecra-
tion,''^ possesses the very precious privilege of having
been inspired and recommended by Our Lord Himself
to His faithful servant.
In a letter to Pere Croiset, Blessed Margaret Mary
recommends to him to insert in his work upon devotion
to the Sacred Heart The Little Consecration.'^ " For,"
says she, "it comes from Him, and He will not be
pleased at its omission."
In several of her letters, we again find the same
prayer recommended very earnestly to persons in
' communication with the Blessed Sister. 'T send you,"
. 1 she says, a little Consecration to this Divine Heart
i I that every one of you may make it in private."
^. ,j {Letter XXXVII to Mere de Saumaise, March 2,
!' 1686, Vol. II, p. 3.) And in another to a Religious
f I who asked her advice: "I am sending you a little
Consecration to wear on your heart with a picture.
634
Various Devotions
Have recourse to it on every occasion/' (Letter
CXXVI, Vol. II, p. 313.)
The autograph of this first Consecration is preserved
in the monastery of Nevers, along with a picture of
the Sacred Heart, sent by the Blessed Sister to Mere
de Sondeilles, of Moulins, Sept. 15, 1686. It is
beneath and on the back of the picture that we
read the little prayer written by herself.^
IBatlg of (J^blation to tfje $amti J^eart of 3zsus
LORD Jesus Christ, in union with that
divine intention with which Thou didst
on earth offer praises to God through Thy
sacred Heart, and now dost continue to offer
them in all places in the Sacrament of the
Eucharist, and wilt do so to the end of the
world, I most willingly offer Thee, throughout
this entire day, without the smallest exception,
all my intentions and thoughts, all my affec-
tions and desires, all my words and actions,
that they may be conformed to the most
sacred heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary ever
immaculate.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 19, 1885.
Ejarulattons
May the Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Sept. 23, i860.
1 From the Sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament, June, 1910.
Various Devotions 635
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make
my heart hke unto Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Sept. 15, 1905.
May the Heart of Jesus in the most blessed
Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with
grateful affection, at every moment, in all the
tabernacles of the world, even to the end of
time. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Feb. 29, 1868.
0 sweetest Heart of Jesus I I implore
That I may ever love Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 300 davs, each time. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1876. — The New Raccolta." '
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
^ Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
]May 21, 1892.
I Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us, in-
■ flame our hearts with love of Thee.
' Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
July 16, 1893.
1 The 1910 edition of " The Raccolta " has the following ver-
sion :
Sweet Heart of my Jesus,
Make me love Thee ever more and more !
636 Various Devotions
Let us, with Mary immaculate, adore,
thank, pray to and console the most sacred
and well-beloved eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
Indulgence of 200 days, every time ; plenary in-
dulgence on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception,
on the usual conditions, if said every day for a year.
— Pius X, Dec. 19, 1904.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us !
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius X,
July 9, 1904.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
June 27, 1906.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on
us !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Dec. 26, 1907.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
May 4, 1906.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius X,
June 16, 1906.
Jesus, Mary, and good Joseph, bless us
now and in the agony of death.
Indulgence of 50 days. — Pius X, June 9, 1906.
Various Devotions
637
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save
the dying, deliver the holy souls from purga-
tory.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Nov. 6, 1906.
Sjaculatton of iSlesseti fHargarrt fHarg
0 heart of love, I place all my trust in
Thee : for though I fear all things from my
weakness, I hope all things from Thy mercies.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
June 3, 1908.
^Ejaculations to ^ur ilatig
Mary, our hope, have pity on us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — • Pius X,
Jan. 8, 1906.
Our Lady of good studies, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X,
May 22, 1906.
Mary, most sorrowful Mother of all Chris-
tians, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
June 27, 1906.
638
Various Devotions
St. Joachim, spouse of Anna, father of the
benign Virgin, aid thy clients here on the way
to salvation.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
Jftttiulgenceti ^cts of ^lioration anti Efjanksgttimg
DOR AM us Te, //] I *E adore Thee, O
Chris te, et bene- vxA» Christ, and we
dicimus Tibi. bless Thee.
Quia per sanctam cru- Because by Thy holy
cem Tuam redemisti mun- cross Thou hast redeemed
dum. the world.
T ADORE Thee, eternal Father, and I give
Thee thanks for the infinite love with
which Thou didst deign to send Thy only-
begotten Son to redeem me, and to become
the food of my soul. I offer Thee all the acts
of adoration and thanksgiving that are offered
to Thee by the angels and saints in heaven
and by the just on earth. I praise, love, and
thank Thee with all the praise, love, and
thanksgiving that are offered to Thee by
Thine own Son in the Blessed Sacrament;
and I beg Thee to grant that He may be known,
loved, honored, praised, and worthily received
by all, in this most divine Sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Various Devotions
639
T ADORE Thee, eternal Son, and I thank Thee
for the infinite love which caused Thee to
become man for me, to be born in a stable, to
live in poverty, to suffer hunger, thirst, heat,
cold, fatigue, hardships, contempt, persecu-
tions, the scourging, the crowning with thorns,
and a cruel death upon the hard wood of the
cross. I thank Thee, with the Church militant ^
and triumphant, for the infinite love with
which Thou didst institute the most blessed
Sacrament to be the food of my soul.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
*Tr ADORE Thee in all the consecrated hosts
throughout the whole world, and I return
thanks for those who know Thee not, and
who do not thank Thee. Would that I were
able to give my life to make Thee known,
loved, and honored by all, in this sacrament
of love, and to prevent the irreverences and
sacrileges that are committed against Thee !
I love Thee, divine Jesus, and I desire to
receive Thee with all the purity, love, and
affection of Thy blessed ^Mother, and with the
love and affection of Thy own most pure
i -Heart. Grant, 0 most amiable Spouse of
my soul 1 in coming to me in this most holy
Sacrament, that I may receive all the graces
and blessings which Thou dost come to be-
640
Various Devotions
stow on uSj and let me rather die than receive
Thee unworthily.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
T ADORE Thee, eternal Holy Ghost, and I
give Thee thanks for the infinite love with
which Thou didst work the ineffable mystery
of the Incarnation, and for the infinite love
with which Thou didst form the sacred body
of Our Lord Jesus Christ out of the most
pure blood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to be-
come in this sacrament the food of my soul.
I beg Thee to enlighten my mind, and to
purify my heart and the hearts of all men,
that all m.ay know the benefit of Thy love,
and receive worthily this most blessed
sacrament.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
ANTUM ergo sacramen-
tum
Veneremur cernui :
Et antiquum documen-
tum
Novo cedat ritui :
Praestet fides supplemen-
turn
•"l^owN in adoration
falling,
Lo ! the sacred Host we
hail.
Lo ! o'er ancient forms de-
parting,
Newer rites of grace pre-
vail ;
Faith for all defect sup-
plying
Various Devotions
641
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque,
Laus et jubi-
latio :
Salus, honor, virtus quo-
que,
Sit et benedictio :
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
V. Panem de coelo prae-
stitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamen-
tum in se habentem.
Oremiis
^T^EUS, qui nobis sub
r-LI Sacramento mirabih
passionis tuae memoriam
reUquisti : tribue, quae-
sumus. ita nos corporis et
sanguinis tui sacra mys-
teria venerari, ut redemp-
tionis tuae f rue turn in
nobis jugiter sentiamus.
Qui vivis et regnas. in sae-
cula saeculorum. Amen.
Where the feeble senses
fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns
on high,
With the Holy Ghost pro-
ceeding
Forth from each eternally.
Be salvation, honor, bless-
ing.
Might and endless maj-
esty :
V. Thou gavest them
bread from heaven.
R. And therein was
sweetness of every kind.
Let us pray
God. \\Tio. under this
wonderful Sacra-
ment, hast left us a me-
morial of Thy Passion :
grant us the grace, we
beseech Thee, so to ven-
erate the sacred mysteries
of Thy body and blood,
that we may ever feel
within us the fruit of Thy
redemption. Who livest
and reignest. for ever and
ever. Amen.
Plenary indulgence on usual conditions to all who.
after confession and communion, on the first Thursday
642
Various Devotions
of the month, shall visit with devotion the Blessed
Sacrament; 7 years and 7 quarantines on all the '
other Thursdays of the year; 100 days on any other
day of the year, to those who say them with a con-
trite heart before the Blessed Sacrament. — Pius VI,
Oct. 17, 1796.
^ct of l^eparatton in ?^onor of tije ^ImtQ Sacrament
OST adorable Saviour, in Thy wondrous
love for us Thou dost remain in the
blessed Sacrament of the Altar, in order to be
the perpetual sacrifice of the New Law, the
propitiatory victim for our sins, the life-
giving manna of our souls, our powerful
mediator, our good master, and our best
friend. |
But, alas ! with what ingratitude on our
part has Thine infinite goodness been repaid.
Prostrate before Thy veiled majesty, at the
foot of the altar, where Thou art as truly and
really present as in heaven, we come to make
reparation and offer atonement for all the in-
juries inflicted on Thee in the sacrament of
Thy love.
O divine Jesus, O meek and humble Jesus,
accept our feeble efforts to compassionate
Thy suffering Heart, and to make a fitting
reparation to Thy outraged majesty for all
blasphemies, profanations, and sacrileges ever
committed ; for our own want of devotion
Various Devotions
643
and reverence in Thy sacred presence, for our
poor preparations and thanksgivings at holy
communion, and for the Httle fruit we have
drawn from holy communion through our
own fault.
Pardon, 0 Lord, pardon, we beseech Thee,
these and all our offenses against Thee. We
are truly sorry for having sinned, because
Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases
Thee. Thou wilt not despise a contrite and
humble heart. We offer Thee our poor hearts
filled with sentiments of sincere repentance
and deep affection. We offer Thee, in atone-
ment. Thy own bitter sufferings, the sorrows
of Thy blessed Mother, and the merits of all
the saints. By the fervor of our love we
desire to make amends to Thee for the injuries
inflicted on Thee by ourselves, by infidels,
heretics, and all negligent Christians. Yes,
Jesus, we love Thee now above all things, and
we are resolved to please Thee by doing Thy
will and by faithfully discharging the obliga-
tions of our state of life. Thy kingdom come ;
t Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven !
I How happy should we be, O Jesus, could
I we but make reparation to Thy glory, by our
I respect, by our zeal, aye, even by the shedding
■ of our blood. At least, most adorable Saviour,
grant us the grace to love Thee in the most
644
Various Devotions
holy Sacrament of the Altar, with the most
tender, the most generous, the most perfect, \
the most constant love. i
EJACULATIONS
0 Sacrament most holy, O wSacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine ! |
Virgin most holy, by thy holy and im-
maculate heart, make us enter into the ador-
able Heart of thy divine Son, Jesus Christ,
that we may learn to be meek and humble,
chaste and gentle and kind.
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
pray for us !
Dear St. Joseph ! obtain for us the gift of
prayer and of perpetual union with Jesus and
Mary. Amen.
spiritual Communion
^Esus, my Saviour and my God ! I am not
^ worthy to appear before Thee, for I am
a poor sinner ; yet I approach Thee with con-
fidence, for Thou hast said, ^'Come to Me,
all you that labor and are burdened, and
1 will refresh you.'' Thou wilt not despise
a contrite and humble heart. I am truly
sorry for my sins, because by them I have
offended Thee, Who art infinitely good.
Various Devotions
645
Whatever may have been my fooHsh trans-
gressions in the past, I love Thee now above
all things, and with all my heart. I desire,
good Jesus, to receive Thee in holy com-
munion, and since I can not now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament, I beseech Thee to
come to me spiritually and to refresh my soul
with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God, and my All !
Come to me, and let me never again be
separated from Thee by sin. Teach me Thy
blessed ways ; help me with Thy grace to
imitate Thy example ; to practise meekness,
humility, charity, and all the virtues of Thy
sacred Heart. My divine Master, my one
desire is to do Thy will and to love Thee more
and more ; help me that I may be faithful
to the end in Thy service. Bless me in life
and in death, that I may praise Thee forever
in heaven. Amen.
S)\inxizx ^ds for a spiritual ^omtn:ini0n
I
^T* BELIEVE that Thou, 0 Jesus, art in the
Most Holy Sacrament! I love Thee and
desire Thee! Come into my heart. I embrace
Thee; oh, never leave me!
646
Various Devotions
II
Y Jesus, I love Thee with my whole heart, '
and I wish to live always united to Thee.
As I can not now receive Thee sacramentally,
I receive Thee in spirit. Come, then, into my
soul; I embrace Thee, and I unite my entire
self to Thee; and I beseech Thee never more
to allow me to be separated from Thee.
Ill
MY Jesus, living in the blessed Eucharist, I
come and live in my heart in the might of
Thy love, by which all within me may become
transformed. Reign in me over all my fac-
ulties, so that I may no longer live or act but
by Thy life and movement. Be Thou, O my
Love, the Life of my life, that so each day my
heart may become more and more like Thine.
IV
Y sweet Jesus, come into my poor heart
and remain with me. Poor as it is, may
it be to Thee a sanctuary from those who hate
Thee, as Thy Heart is to me a refuge and a
sanctuary from my enemies.
Various Devotions
647
V
/T\y heart is ready, 0 my Jesus, to receive
Thee. Enter, and stay with me, for the
day is far spent. Tribulation draws nigh and
there is none to help, but if Thou art with
me, I shall not fear.^
CntJulgenceU ^rts m ?§onor of tfje Bksscti Barramrnt
Reverent Genuflection and Devout Invocation
Before the Blessed Sacrament
1. For reciting in any language the invocation,
Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here present in the
sacrament of Thy love," whilst devoutly genuflecting
before the Blessed Sacrament enclosed in the taber-
nacle, one hundred days indulgence, each time.
2. For reciting the same invocation whilst adoring
with a double genuflection the Blessed Sacrament
solemnly exposed, three hundred days, each time.
3. For making an exterior act of reverence in pass-
ing by a church or oratory where the Blessed Sacra-
ment is kept, one hundred days each time.
Pius X (S. Cong. InduL, July 13, 1908).
1 Acts III, IV, and V from The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
648
Various Devotions
Jprajjers to tijt J^ol^ ^jjoist in Connection toitij
ViBitB to tf)e lUlessetr <Sacrament anlr
<S:oinmunton Hebotionsi
I
Q HOLY Ghost, help me to receive Jesus
with love and reverence. Thou art my
teacher and my sanctifier, and by Thee I
live. Thou givest light and strength to my
soul. Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacra-
ment, is my Saviour and my God. I long
to be with Him, that He may abide more in
me and I in Him. He is the Bread of life, the
true Bread of God. I long to feed with adora-
tion on that living Bread. Be with me, O
Blessed Spirit, as I draw near to the altar,
and give me always more faithfulness to Jesus
and more love for Him.
II
J^N the hght of the tabernacle I ask Thee,
0 Holy Ghost, to fill my heart with pure
desire for Jesus, the living Bread. Give me
grace to adore Him with the holy angels,
that His will may be done on earth as it is
in heaven, and that His will may be done in
1 From Father Rawes' " Bread of Life," a work we recommend
most earnestly to devout souls.
Various Devotions 649
my soul. Help me to thank Him for all His
gifts, and most of all for Himself. By this
Holy Sacrament He strengthens souls on
earth, and gives rest to souls in purgatory,
and gladdens souls in heaven. He is the
hidden Manna, promised by Himself to all who
overcome. Thy grace will bring me in safety
to God. May I taste the sweetness of Jesus !
May my soul be kept by Thee very bright
for the coming of my Spouse !
Ill
/^LEANSE my heart, 0 Holy Spirit, by this
heavenly food, wherein Jesus gives me
Himself. Strengthen my faith, that I may
see Jesus in this sacrament of His body and
blood. There is in me a law by which I am
in danger of falling into the captivity of sin.
I have often to go on my heavenward way
through darkness and many temiptations,
but Thou art my light and my strength. In
Thee I trust. By Thy grace I can do all
things that Jesus wishes me to do. Be ever
in my soul as the dew of the light. With
utter trust I rest upon Thee, and believe the
> testimony which Thou givest. Set up more
and more Thy kingdom in my soul, that I may
keep my body under, and bring it to subjection,
Various Devotions
lest I should be a castaway from Jesus and
from Thee.
IV
HOLY Ghost, let my life be hidden with
Jesus in God. Give me grace to live
for God only, and to use creatures in Him and
for His sake. Let the beauty of God blind
me to the beauty of the world, and let the
light of God blind me to the light of earth.
Thou, O my God, art brighter than all things
and sweeter. Take away from my soul all
the dross and purify it, giving it light and
strength. To Thee, Spirit of deathless love,
I turn for help. Take from me all human
respect ; for wrong regard of creatures blights
the soul, so that its fruits are withered. Help
me to be more faithful to Jesus, my Love,
Who is coming to me from His altar. He is
my life, as Thou art my life, and as the eternal
Father is my life. Give me more love, that
I may welcome Jesus as He comes to me in the
hidden light, and the freshness of the morning
dew.
V
^ HOLY Ghost, fill me with the fear of the
Lord, and drive far from me all thoughts
of presumption. Save me from guilt like
Various Devotions
this. Keep me from offending God ; and
keep me from the wounds of His anger. Make
me feel His goodness, and fill my heart with
thankfulness. If I am faithful to Thee,
Thou wilt give me much grace; if I am un-
faithful, Thou wilt give me little grace, or, it
may be, none at all. Dwell in my soul more
and more, that I m_ay be faithful with a great
faithfulness, and inherit the fulness of Thy
promises.
VI
Q HOLY Ghost, give me a great hunger for
the Bread of life. Do Thou, by that
Bread which is Jesus, satisfy my soul, and
strengthen it, and make it full of life. I am
needy wath a great need ; but this Bread of
heaven is the life of the poor ; let it be my life.
I am very poor and needy ; but Thou, my own
Lord, dost always care for me. Without
Thee, Blessed Spirit, I can not say, Jesus :
without Thee, Helper of the needy, I can not
feed on Him Who is the Bread from heaven.
0 Spirit of peace, give me a great love for
the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
O Spirit of reconciliation, help all darkened
souls, and bring them back to life.
O Spirit of mercy, help the souls that are
now suffering in the fire of purgatory. I ask
6s2
Various Devotions
Thee, by Thine own goodness, to give them
refreshment and joy and white robes of con-
sohng love.
0 most pitiful Spirit, give me a great joy
in this Sacrament of love. Thou dwellest in
me, and by Thee I live to God. Thou makest
me a temple of Thyself and of the Father and
the Son. Thou makest me an heir of God.
Bring me now, dear Spirit, in light to the
altar ; bring me in light to my grave ; bring
me in light to the city of the King and the song
of the morning stars.
VII
TERNAL Father, wash me from my sins
in the blood of Jesus.
Eternal Son, fill me with the fire of Thy
Heart.
Eternal Spirit, make me glad with the sweet-
ness of the soul of Jesus.
O eternal Father, crush all the powers of
evil under my feet. Let me walk upon the asp
and the basilisk ; let me trample under foot the
lion and the dragon by the blood of Thy Son.
0 eternal Son, pour into my soul abundant
gifts of grace. Thou didst die for me on the
cross. There Thou didst merit for me the
treasures of grace which now Thou givest.
Various Devotions
653
Thou didst give me Thyself in shedding of
blood and in dimness of death. Now Thou
givest me Thyself in outpouring of gladness
and in Thy deathless life. Thou wast dead,
and art alive forever.
0 eternal Spirit, hide me more and more
with God, and let there be in me more and
more of the mind of Jesus. Touch the lips
of my soul and give me a taste for this Bread
of God, that I may know the graciousness of
my Jesus, and the sweetness of His blood.
The love of God is shed abroad in my heart,
for Thou, 0 Holy Ghost, art given to me.
Oh, lift me up, dear Spirit, from the dust.
Oh, bring me in Thine own good time to the
pavement of pure gold as clear as crystal.
Fill my soul with Thy dew ; fill it with Thy
fire. There is no dew like Thine ; and there
is no fire like Thine. They mingle together
in the fruitfulness of the garden of the Spouse.
They mingle with the blood of Jesus, and with
the water from His side. Oh, fire of the Holy
Ghost, gentle and sweet as dew ! Oh, dew
of the Holy Ghost, piercing and cleansing
as fire ! O Holy Ghost, Whom I love, Hft
Thy little one to Thine uncreated Heart.
O Blessed Trinity, show me the hidden
things of the blood of Jesus, the holy mystery
of Thy Church.
6S4
Various Devotions
i^ettttons to Sesus m tije tabernacle
JESUS, I thank Thee for all the graces I
have received through Thy real presence
in the tabernacle ; grant me an ardent love for
the Sacrament of Thy love ; grant that my
visits to Thee in the Blessed Eucharist may
sanctify me, make me resemble Thee, and
render me more pleasing to Thee.
Dispose me better for the worthy and fruit-
ful reception of holy communion and increase
in me the desire of honoring Thee and of
causing others to love and honor Thee more
in the Blessed Sacrament.
I recommend to Thee the wants of my soul,
the needs of my family, of my friends and bene-
factors, and of all who have asked me to pray
for them. Preserve us from all deliberate
sins, forgive us those that we have committed,
and fill us with the penitential spirit. Send
Thine aid to the holy Church, the Sovereign
Pontiff, the bishops, priests. Religious, and all
the faithful. Direct the labors of apostolic
missionaries. Convert infidels, heretics, and
sinners, and lead them to sincere repentance.
O my Jesus, grant me the inestimable gift of
final perseverance. Let me attain to that
degree of virtue which is requisite for obtain-
ing the degree of glory to which Thou hast
Various Devotions
6S5
destined me. Preserve me from sudden and
unforeseen death, and let me be fortified in
my departure for eternity by the grace of
Extreme Unction and the Hoty Viaticum.
Save me through the mercy of Thy divine
Heart, grant me the grace at the hour of my
death to love Thee with a disinterested love
like that with which Thou didst love me in
Thy last hour on the cross. Amen.
F. Blessed and praised every moment
7?. Be the Most Holy and Divine Sacrament.
V. Lord, hear our prayers ;
R, And let our cry come unto Thee.
F. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
EJACULATION
My God, unite all minds in the truth and
all hearts in charity. Indulgence of 300 days,
every time. — Pius X, January 21, 1905 ; May
30, 1908.
N.B. Recite also the prayers for the Church and
for the Civil Authorities, p. 756, and the Universal
Prayer, p. 760.
656
Various Devotions
Petition for tf}e J^olg .Souls in JPurQatnrg
MY God, I recommend to Thy clemency
the holy souls in purgatory, and especially
those to whom I am most indebted by the
bond of charity or of justice ; and chiefly I
implore Thee in behalf of those who, during
their life, were most devout to the Blessed
Sacrament; as also those who have most
loved the Blessed Virgin. For this I offer Thee,
my good Jesus, Thy wounds. Thy agony, Thy
death, and all the merits of Thy most bitter
Passion. These holy souls love Thee and
desire most ardently to be united with Thee.
Hear, then, dear Lord, and grant this my
prayer in their behalf, which I present to Thee
in the words of Thy holy Church : Requiem
(Bternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat
eis.^^ — Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them."
Requiescant in pace. Amen.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
N. B. Pity the poor souls and recite for their relief some
indulgenced prayers and ejaculations.
^^ragcr to J^esus m tlje fgolg lEucfjarist
*|^EAR Jesus, in the Sacrament of the Altar,
be forever thanked and praised. Love,
worthy of all celestial and terrestrial love !
Various Devotions
6S7
Who, out of infinite love for me, ungrateful
sinner, didst assume our human nature, didst
shed Thy most precious blood in the cruel
scourging, and didst expire on a shameful
cross for our eternal welfare ! Xow, illumined
with lively faith, with the outpouring of my
whole soul and the utmiost fervor of my heart,
I humbly beseech Thee, through the infinite
merits of Thy painful suft'erings. give me
strength and courage to destroy every evil
passion which sways my heart, to bless Thee
in my greatest afilictions, to glorify Thee by
the exact fulfilment of all my duties, supremely
to hate all sin, and thus to become a saint.
Indulgence of loo clays, once a day. — Pius IX,
Jan. I, 1866.
SttMflntcrti ^Irts of I^rbrrrncr ^obarti t\]t
Bkssrti ^^acramnU
Genuflections and Salutations
HE Archbishop of Port-au-Prince in Haiti
entreated the Holy Father, in order to
move the faithful more and more to show their
faith and reverence toward the Blessed Sacra-
ment, that he would grant the following in-
dulgences, applicable to the holy souls in
purgatory :
I. For reciting in any language the in-
vocation, Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here
6s8
Various Devotions
present in the sacrament of Thy love/' while
devoutly genuflecting before the Blessed
Sacrament enclosed in the tabernacle, loo
days' indulgence, each time.
2. For reciting the same invocation while
adoring with a double genuflection the
Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed, 300
days, each time.
3. For making an exterior act of reverence
in passing by a church or oratory where the
Blessed Sacrament is kept, 100 days, each time.
The Holy Father granted these indulgences
as asked (S. Cong. Indul., July 3, 1908).
These indulgences will encourage the slow
and reverent genuflection before the Blessed
Sacrament, and the pious custom of always
raising the hat or slightly bowing in passing
before a church door.
^tt of i^cparation to ti}£ ^acreti i§eart of 3mi5
{For the first Friday of the Month)
DORABLE Heart of Jesus, glowing with love
for us and inflamed with zeal for our
salvation : 0 Heart ! ever sensible of our
misery and the wretchedness to which our
sins have reduced us, infinitely rich in mercy
to heal the wounds of our souls, behold us
humbly prostrate before Thee to express the
V arious Devotions
639
sorrow that fills our hearts for the coldness
and indifference with which we have so long
requited the numberless benefits that Thou
hast conferred upon us. With a deep sense
of the outrages that have been heaped upon
Thee by our sins and the sins of others, we
come to make a solemn reparation of honor
to Thy most sacred Majesty. It was our sins
that overwhelmed Thy Heart with bitter-
ness ; it was the weight of our iniquities that
pressed down Thy face to the earth in the
Garden of Olives and caused Thee to ex-
pire in anguish and agony on the cross.
But now, repenting and sorrowful, we cast
ourselves at Thy feet, and implore forgiveness.
Adorable Heart of Jesus, source of true con-
trition and ever merciful to the penitent sin-
ner, impart to our hearts the spirit of penance,
and give to our eyes a fountain of tears, that
we may sincerely bewail our sins now and for
the rest of our days. Oh, would that we
could blot them out, even with our blood I
Pardon them, 0 Lord, in Thy mercy, and
I pardon and convert to Thee all that have
I committed irreverences and sacrileges against
I Thee in the sacrament of Thy love, and thus
^ give another proof that Thy mercy is above
i all Thy works. Divine Jesus, with Thee
- there are mercy and plentiful redemption :
(
66o
Various Devotions
deliver us from our sins, accept the sincere
desire we now entertain, and our holy resolu-
tion, relying on the assistance of Thy grace,
henceforth to be faithful to Thee. And in
order to repair the sins of ingratitude by which
we have grieved Thy most tender and loving
Heart, we are resolved in the future ever to
love and honor Thee in the most adorable
Sacrament of the Altar, where Thou art ever
present to hear and grant our petitions, and
to be the food and life of our souls. Be Thou,
0 compassionate Jesus ! our Mediator with
Thy heavenly Father, Whom we have so
grievously offended, strengthen our weakness,
confirm these our resolutions of amendment,
and as Thy sacred Heart is our refuge and our
hope when we have sinned, so may it be the
strength and support of our repentance, that
nothing in life or death may ever again
separate us from Thee. Amen.
"En ^ct 0f Consecration anH i^eparatton to tfje Wost
^acreli l^eart of |esus
Together with Prayers for the Church and for the
Propagation of the Faith
GST sacred Heart of Jesus ! I adore Thee ;
I offer to Thee all that I am and all that
1 possess ; I consecrate to Thee my soul with all
its faculties, my body with all its senses, my
Various Devotions
66i
heart with all its affections, desiring in all
things to honor, love, and glorify Thee ; in
thanksgiving for the numberless benefits that
I have received from Thee, especially in the
Holy Eucharist ; in atonement for my own
sins as well as in reparation for all the oft^enses
that are committed against Thee in the
sacrament of Thy love, and, finally, in humble
supplication, that I may henceforth be faith-
ful to Thee, that I may please Thee in thought,
word, and deed, that I may suffer in patience
and in perfect resignation to Thy holy will,
that I may become like to Thee in meekness
and humility, that I may persevere in Thy
love and Thy grace to the end of my life, and
that I may praise Thee and bless Thee with
the saints and angels in eternity.
We beseech Thee, also. 0 good Jesus, by
Thy sacred Heart, overflowing with sweet-
ness and mercy, to bless our Holy Father, the
Pope, and our Holy Mother, the Church ; to
take under Thy special protection this con-
gregation, our homes, our country, our rulers,
our legislators, our bishops, our priests, and
all Religious Orders. We recommend to Thee
all our concerns, our friends, relatives, bene-
factors, and all those who have asked us to
pray for them ; those who are sick and those
who are dying, and all who are under any
662
Various Devotions
affliction. Cast an eye of compassion on
obstinate sinners and heretics and unbelievers.
Give eternal rest to the faithful departed.
Bless in particular the apostolic labors of
those who are engaged in giving missions and
retreats, in propagating the Faith in heathen
lands, in spreading Thy kingdom on earth,
and in fostering devotion to Thy most sacred
Heart and to the Most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar. Amen.
i^tager for t\)t ^propagation of JFattfj anti i^tetg
TERNAL Father, by Thy infinite mercy and
by the infinite merits of Thy divine Son
Jesus, make Thyself known and loved by all
souls, since it is Thy will that all should be saved.
Gloria Patri,
Through the sacred mysteries of human
redemption send, O Lord, laborers into Thy
harvest, and spare Thy people.
Eternal Word incarnate. Redeemer of the
human race, convert all souls to Thyself, since
for them Thou wast obedient even to the
death of the Cross.
Gloria Patri.
Through the merits and intercession of Thy
most holy Mother, and of all the angels and
saints, send, O Lord, laborers into Thy har-
vest, and spare Thy people.
Various Devotions
663
O Holy Spirit of God, by the infinite merits
of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, dif-
fuse thy most ardent and all-powerful charity
in all hearts, that there may be one Fold and
one Shepherd throughout the world, and that
all may come to sing Thy divine mercies in
Heaven forever. Amen. Gloria Patri.
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines, once a day. —
Leo XIII, Jan. 23, 1894.
Cntiulscnati C}}a}jlrt of tf)c ^acrrtJ J§eart
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be, etc.
R. As it was, etc.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius VII, March
20, 1815.
I
QY most loving Jesus, when I ponder over Thy most
sacred Heart, all tenderness and sweetness for sin-
ners, then doth my heart rejoice, and I am filled with hope
of Thy kind welcome. But, ah me, my sins I how many
and how great ! With Peter and with Magdalen, I be-
wail and abhor them, because they are an offense to
Thee, my Sovereign Good. Oh, grant me pardon for
them all. I pray Thy sacred Heart that I may rather die
than offend Thee again, and may live only to love Thee.
Pater once, Gloria five times, in honor of the Sacred Heart,
then :
Sweet Heart of my Jesus,
Make me love Thee ever more and more.
II
/T^Y Jesus, I bless Thy most humble Heart ; and I give
JJ-^ thanks unto Thee, Who in making it my model dost
urge me with strong pleadings to imitate it, and also, at
the cost of so many humiliations, dost vouchsafe Thyself
664
Various Devotions
to point out and smooth for me the way to follow Thee.
Fool and ungrateful that I am, how have I wandered far
away from Thee ! Pardon me, my Jesus ! Take away
from me all hateful pride and ambition, that with lowly
heart I may follow Thee, my Jesus, amidst humiliations
and so gain peace and salvation. Strengthen me. Thou
who canst, and I will ever bless Thy sacred Heart. Pater
once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.
Ill
/TVy Jesus, I marvel at Thy most patient Heart, and I
,VI^ give Thee thanks for all the wondrous examples of
unwearied patience which Thou hast left us. It grieves
me that these examples still have to reproach me for my
excessive delicacy, shrinking from every little pain. Pour,
then, into my heart, O dear Jesus, a fervent and constant
love of suffering and the cross, of mortification and of
penance, that, following Thee to Calvary, I may with Thee
attain the joys of Paradise. Pater 07ice, Gloria five times.
Sweet Heart, etc.
IV
'TPVear Jesus, beside Thy most gentle Heart I set my
<-L/ own, and shudder to see how unlike mine is to Thine.
How am I wont to fret and grieve when a hint, a look, or a
word thwarts me ! Pardon all my violence, and give me
for the future grace to imitate in every contradiction Thy
unalterable meekness, that so I may enjoy an everlasting
holy peace. Pater once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.
V
EET US sing praise to Jesus for his generous Heart,
conqueror of death and hell; for well it merits
every praise. Still more than ever confounded am I, look-
ing upon my coward heart, which dreads even a rough
word or injurious taunt. But it shall be so with me no
more. My Jesus, I pray Thee for such strength that,
fighting and conquering self on earth, I may one day re-
joice triumphantly with Thee in heaven. Pater once,
Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.
Various Devotions
66s
ow let us turn to Maty, and dedicating ourselves yet
more and more to her, and trusting in her mother's
heart, we say to her : By all the virtue of thy most sweet
heart obtain for me, great Mother of God, our Mother
Mar}^, a true and enduring devotion to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus, thy Son, that, bound up in every thought and
affection in union with His Heart, I may fulfil each duty of
my state, serving Jesus evermore with readiness of heart,
and specially this day.
V. Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Let us Pray
EORD, we beseech Thee, let Thy Holy Spirit kindle in
our hearts that fire of charity which Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, sent forth from His inmost Heart upon
this earth, and willed that it should burn exceedingly.
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the
same Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
^ SS})oxt %tt of (Cottsecration to ^esus an5 fHarg
{Recoynmended to Promoters of the Sacred Heart League)
O JESUS, Saviour of mankind, Thou hast mercifully
revealed to us the wonderful riches of Thy Heart ; in
thanksgiving for Thy benefits, especially for the institu-
tion of the Holy Eucharist — in reparation for the offenses
against the Blessed Sacrament — in union with Thy media-
tion in heaven for us, poor sinners, I consecrate myself
entirely to Thee, for the glory of God and the salvation of
souls. I promise to aid in spreading the worship and in
promoting the interests of Thy sacred Heart.
I choose, moreover, the Blessed Virgin Mary for my
Queen, my Advocate, and my Mother, and I am resolved
to imitate her virtues, in particular her love for sinners,
and to foster and promote devotion to her Immaculate
Conception. I beseech Thee, O Lord, to accept this prom-
ise. Thou hast inspired me to make it; grant me the
grace to fulfil it. Amen.
666
Various Devotions
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love ! Sweet Heart of
Mary, be my salvation !
JPrager for a ¥mt to Jesus
In Behalf of a Municipality
*T| ' OOK down, holy Father and Lord, from Thy sanc-
— i tuary, and from heaven, Thy dwelling-place on high,
and behold this sacred Victim which our great high priest.
Thy holy child. Our Lord Jesus, offers up to Thee for the
sins of His brethren ; and be appeased for the multitude of
our transgressions. Behold, the voice of the blood of Jesus,
our brother, cries to Thee from the cross. Give ear, O
Lord ! Be appeased, O Lord ! Hearken, and do not
tarry, for Thine own sake, O my God, for Thy name is
invoked upon this city and upon Thy people ; and deal with
us according to Thy mercy. Amen,
V. That Thou vouchsafe to defend, pacify, keep, pre-
serve, and bless this city.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX, Feb.
4, 1877.
JForm of (Consecration to tfje barren Igeart of Jesns
Issued with the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, May 25, 1899,
on the consecration of mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
QOST sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human
race, look down upon us, humbly pros-
trate before Thy altar. We are Thine and
Thine we wish to be ; but to be more surely
united with Thee, behold each one of us freely
consecrates himself to-day to Thy most sacred
Heart. Many, indeed, have never known
Thee; many, too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them
Various Devotions
667
all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to
Thy sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never for-
saken Thee, but also of the prodigal children
who have abandoned Thee ; grant that they
may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by
erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps
aloof, and call them back to the harbor of
truth and unity of faith, so that soon there
may be but one flock and one shepherd.
Be Thou King also of all those who sit in the
ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and re-
fuse not Thou to deliver them out of darkness
into the light and kingdom of God. Grant,
0 Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom
and immunity from harm; give peace and
order to all nations, and make the earth re-
sound from pole to pole with one cry : Praise
to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation;
to it be glory and honor forever. Amen.
^Prager: iStost Compassionate 3ts\xsl'*
MOST compassionate Jesus ! Thou alone
art our salvation, our life, and our resur-
rection. We implore Thee, therefore, do not
forsake us in our needs and afflictions, but
668
Various Devotions
by the agony of Thy most sacred Heart,
and by the sorrows of Thy immaculate Mother,
succor Thy servants whom Thou hast re-
deemed by Thy most precious blood.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Oct. 6, 1870.
EJACULATION
Jesu, Deus meus, super Jesus, my God, I love
omnia amo Te. Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days. — Pius IX, May 7, 1854.
J^gmn to tfje ^acreH ^mxt^
^'Be this our lifers one aim
To labor for the glory of Thy Name^'
O SACRED Heart ! what shall I render Thee
For all the gifts Thou hast bestowed on me ?
O Heart of God ! Thou seem'st but to implore
That I should love Thee daily more and more.
O Heart, Whose reign began upon the Tree
Where Thou didst triumph by humility ;
O grant I may Thy hidden ways adore
And know and love Thee daily more and more.
O sacred Heart, I long, I long to love
E'en as the saints with Thee in heaven above,
O dearest Heart, this grace then I implore,
That I may love Thee daily, hourly more.
1 This hymn was set to music by the late Rev. Father W.
Maher, SJ., and published by Messrs. Burns and Oates. From
Voice of the Sacred Heart.
Various Devotions
669
O Heart of Jesus I come and live in me
That with Thy love my heart consumed may be ;
O sacred Heart of Jesus, I implore
That I may love Thee daily more and more.
O sacred Heart ! be this our life's one aim;
To labor for the glory of Thy Xame.
O dearest Heart I this grace we Thee implore :
That all the world may know and love Thee more.
Alone with God ; oh ! who can say
The myster}' deep these words contain !
It thrills the soul with love and fear
To know and feel that God is near.
Alone, my God, alone with Thee,
The bliss like this for such as me.
How^ can so mean and vile a thing
Remain alone before her King !
Yet Abram's faith, so firm and pure.
Made hope shine bright when least secure,
And whilst vast stranger-land he trod,
He calmly dwelt alone with God.
Can heart conceive what ]Moses felt,
When all alone with God he dwelt.
The glowing breath of God so near,
And whispering softly to his ear I
How soft and sweetly time passed there,
Alone with God, and lost in prayer.
His raptured soul beamed forth such light
As dazzled mortals at the sight.
Nor Sinai's height, nor Horeb's fire,
Nor Thabor's sweets need I desire,
If in some little lonely cell,
I may alone with Jesus dwell.
670
Various Devotions
Oh ! if my weak heart might be
. That little cell, my Spouse, for Thee ;
Alone, my God, yes, night and day,
And at Thy feet I'd ever stay.
If oft Thou shouldst the cross bestow
On one who merits nought but woe,
Oh ! teach me then alone to be
Attentive to Thy love for me.
And when obedience calls me where
My labors take the place of prayer,
I'll strive to keep my eyes on Thee,
And midst my toils alone to be.
O God of love, come then and dwell
Alone, in this poor humble cell.
Until at last Thy Heart divine
Consumes this wretched heart of mine. Amen.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be our dwelling-place
forever. — Leaflets.
Cbtistmas Bap
Eljt Natibitg of (But ILorti rvlQ .Sabiour 3tsm (JTijrtst
Prayers from the Roman Missal
OGoD, Who didst make this most sacred night to shine
forth with the glory of Him who is the true light of
the world ; grant that He who, thus revealed to us, has
made resplendent our path on earth, may be forever our
joy and our light in heaven.
AY the offerings we bring on this festival day be
pleasing to Thee, O Lord ; and, adoring the mystery
of the Word made Flesh, may we, by Thy grace, be found
Various Devotions
671
made like unto Him, Who has united our nature to Thine
own.
RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we
who, in joy of heart, keep with threefold celebration
of the holy mysteries the feast of the nativity of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, may, by worthiness of life, deserve to
rejoice with Him for evermore.
BATHED in the new light brought upon earth by
Thine incarnate Word, we beseech Thee, O Almighty
God, to vouchsafe that the holy faith which ever illumines
our minds may in all our actions shine forth to Thy glory
before the world.
IN virtue of the birth upon earth of Thine only-begotten
Son, vouchsafe, O Lord, to hallow our offerings, and
to cleanse us from all stain of sin.
RANT, we beseech Thee, Almight}^ God, that even as
the Saviour of the world, born to us this day, bestowed
upon us by adoption the sonship of God ; so to Him we
may look for the grace of a happy eternity.
Noijena for (JTfjristmas
INDULGENCES
Three hundred days, each day. Plenary, on Christmas
Day, or during the novena or octave, on the usual
conditions : confession, communion, and prayer, according
to the intentions of the Pope.
N.B. — Many Prayers, Chaplels, and Devotions contained
in this hook in honor of Our Divine Lord, the Blessed Sac-
rament, the Holy Name, and the Sacred Heart are quite suitable
for a Christmas novena.
iirager for (!ri}rtstmas
/T^OST dear Lord Jesus Christ Who, being made an
,VI^ infant for us, wast willing to be born in a cave, to
free us from the darkness of sin, to draw us to Thyself,
672
Various Devotions
and to inflame us with Thy holy love ; we adore Thee as our
Creator and Redeemer, we accept and choose Thee for
our King and Lord, and for tribute we offer Thee all the
affections of our poor hearts. Dear Jesus, Our Lord and
God, deign to accept this offering, and that it may be
worthy of Thine acceptance, pardon us our faults, enhghten
us, and inflame us with that holy fire which Thou earnest
to bring into the world and enkindle in men's hearts. May
our souls thus become a perpetual sacrifice in Thy honor.
Grant that we may ever seek Thy greater glory here on
earth, so that we may one day come to rejoice in Thy
infinite loveliness in Heaven. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Jan.
18, 1894.
Prager Before tfje Crib
I ADORE Thee, O Word incarnate, true Son of God
from all eternity, and true Son of Mary ever Virgin in
the fulness of time. When I adore Thy divine person, and
the humanity united to Thy divinity, I venerate the poor
manger which welcomed Thee when an infant, and which
was truly the throne of Thy love. I prostrate myself before
it with the simplicity of the shepherds, with the faith of
Joseph, with the love of Mary. I bow down in veneration
of this precious memorial of our salvation with the same
spirit of mortification, poverty, and humility with which
Thou, though the Lord of heaven and earth, didst choose
for Thyself a manger wherein to lay Thy tender infant
limbs. And Thou, O Lord, who in Thine infancy didst
deign to lay Thyself in this manger, vouchsafe also to pour
into my heart a drop of that joy to which the sight of Thy
lovely childhood, and the miracles which accompanied Thy
birth, gave rise. By that holy birth, I now implore Thee
to grant to all the world peace and goodwill, and in the
name of the whole human race I render thanks and honor
to God the Father, and to God the Holy Spirit, who with
Thee live and reign one God world without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Oct. i,
1861.
Various Devotions
673
Christinas Day and Its Octave.
V. The Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
F. Christ hath manifested Himself to us.
R, Come, let us adore.
Let us pray
1. *TJ*LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Lord of heaven
cJt^-* and earth, Who dost reveal Thyself to little ones ;
grant, we beseech Thee, that we, duly honoring the holy
mysteries of Thy Son, the infant Jesus, and daily imitating
Him in our lives, may come to the kingdom of Heaven
promised by Thee to little children. Through the same
Jesus Christ, etc.
R. Amen.
y i1 1 *ITH hearts truly grateful,
vJtA* Come, all ye faithful,
To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem ;
See Christ your Saviour,
Heaven's greatest favor.
Let's hasten to adore Him ;
Our God and King.
2. ^Esus, sweetest Child, born in Bethlehem of Mary,
J ever Virgin, swathed in rags, laid in the manger,
announced by angels, visited by shepherds; have mercy
on us. R. have mercy on us. Pater. Ave. Gloria.
O JESUS, born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee ;
Praise to the Father Infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
3. 1^ DIVINE Saviour, O King of peace. Who wast
pleased to make Thy appearance amongst us
when the whole world was in peace ; vouchsafe to send us
674
Various Devotions
Thy peace, so that all our powers being brought into sub-
jection to Thee, Thou mayest be born anew in our souls.
Pater. Ave. Gloria.
4. DIVINE Saviour, O King of immortal glory, Who,
\^ in Thy great mercy, didst come into the world to
redeem us and to make us holy; grant that, denying all
ungodliness and love of this world, we may live soberly in
ourselves, justly toward our neighbor, and piously before
Thee, that so we may be happy with Thee for all eternity.
Pater. Ave. Gloria.
5. MY Jesus, Thou well knowest that I love Thee;
V-/ but I do not love Thee enough. Oh ! make me
love Thee more. O Love which burnest always and is
never extinguished, my God, Thou who art Charity itself,
kindle in my heart that divine fire which consumes the
saints and transforms them into Thee. Amen.
(fTijrtsttnas J^gmns
Adeste Fideles
aOME, all ye faithful.
Joyful and triumphant,
O hasten, 0 hasten to Bethlehem ;
See in a manger
The Monarch of angels.
O come and let us worship
Christ the Lord.
God of God eternal.
Light from light proceeding,
He deigns in the Virgin's womb to lie;
Very God of very God,
Begotten, not created.
Sing alleluia.
All ye choirs of angels ;
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above
Glory to God
In the highest.
Various Devotions
67s
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning ;
To Thee, O Jesus, be glory given ;
True Word of the Father,
In our flesh appearing.
— Canon Oakeley's translation.
Another Version of the Adeste Fideles
OH, come ! all ye faithful !
Triumphantly sing !
Come, and see in the manger
The angels' dread King !
To Bethlehem hasten !
With joyful accord;
Oh, hasten ! oh, hasten !
To worship the Lord.
True Son of the Father !
He comes from the skies ;
The womb of the Virgin
He doth not despise ;
To Bethlehem hasten, etc.
Not made but begotten,
The Lord of all might,
True God of true God,
True Light of true Light ;
To Bethlehem hasten, etc.
Hark ! to the angels !
All singing in heaven
''To God in the highest
High glor}^ be given."
To Bethlehem hasten, etc,
To Thee, then, O Jesu !
This day of Thy birth,
Be glory and honor
Through heaven and earth.
Various Devotions
True Godhead Incarnate !
Omnipotent Word !
Oh, hasten ! oh, hasten !
To worship the Lord.
Christmas Carol
NGELS we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er our plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Shepherds, why this Jubilee ?
Why your rapturous strain prolong ?
What may the gladsome tidings be.
Which inspire your heavenly song ?
Come to Bethlehem, and see
Him whose birth the angels sing :
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the new-born King,
Sacred Infant all divine.
What a tender love was Thine ;
Thus to come from highest bliss,
Down to such a world as this !
Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
By Thy face so meek and mild.
Teach us to resemble Thee.
In Thy sweet humility !
Virgin Mother, Mary blest,
By the joys that fill thy breast
Pray for us that we may prove
Worthy of the Saviour's love.
Various Devotions
677
Bastet
Nobena for Eastzx. Cn J^onor of tfje Glorious Eesumctton
of OBur 3Lorrr
Alleluia!
This is the day which the Lord has made : let us celebrate
it with transports of joy. — Office of the Church
Esus, Who didst confound all Thine enemies by
clothing in glory and splendor that body which had
been the victim of the cruelty of man, give me grace to die
to myself that I may rise again with Thee, and after Thy
likeness lead a new, divine, immortal life : new, by change
of conduct, divine iDy the generosity and purity of my love,
immortal by perseverance in well doing. Work in my
heart, 0 Lord, this happy change; make me pass from
death to life, from darkness to light, from a life full of im-
perfections to a life perfect and worthy of Thee. Make
me go on from light to light, from virtue to virtue, till I
come at last to Thee, O God of virtue, source of all life,
and of all light. To thee also I turn, 0 holy Virgin, Mother
of Our Saviour, on this joyous feast ; deign to make me
a partaker of that divine joy which thou didst feel on the
blessed day of His Resurrection. Dry my tears and free
my heart from all oppressive sadness. Let Thy risen Son
enter into my heart, as through the closed doors, into the
upper chamber. Let Him say to me, as to the apostles,
" Peace be to thee"; let Him show to me, as to Thomas,
His sacred wounds; let Him abide with me continually,
and never more depart from me.
^0 t\}t Glorious Wimnns of 3zsus Eisrn
I. Y risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glori-
JJ-^ ous wound of Thy left foot, and pray Thee to
give me grace to fly from all occasions of sin, and ever more
678
Various Devotions
to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Glory be to
the Father, etc.
2. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy right foot, and pray Thee to give me grace
to walk constantly in the way of Christian holiness till I
come to the home of the saints in paradise.
Glory, etc.
3. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy left hand, and pray Thee to deliver me from |
all evil, whether of the body or of the soul, and most es-
pecially from the unhappy fate of the wicked who shall
stand at Thy left hand at the day of judgment.
Glory, etc.
4. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy right hand, and pray Thee to bless my soul
herewith, and after death to open to me the gates of
heaven.
Glory, etc.
5. My risen Jesus, I devoutly kiss and adore the glorious
wound of Thy side, and pray Thee to kindle in my heart
the fire of Thy love here, that I may hereafter love Thee
eternally in heaven. I
Glory be, etc. ' j
To Mary
Jastly, I pray thee, O most holy Virgin Mary, by thy
— A great joy on seeing thy risen and glorified Son, to
obtain for us the grace to rise also after our death to the
eternal glory of paradise. Hail Mary, Glory be to thr
Father, etc.
!£astertttie l^gmns
Victimce Paschali Laudes
aHRiST the Lord is risen to-day :
Christians, haste your vows to pay;
Offer ye your praises meet
At the Paschal Victim's feet ;
Various Devotions
For the sheep the Lamb hath bled,
Sinless in the sinner's stead.
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high ;
Now He lives, no more to die.
Christ, the Victim undefil'd,
Man to God hath reconcil'd ;
When in strange and awful strife
Met together death and hfe ;
Christians, on this happy day
Haste with joy your vows to pay.
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high :
Now He lives no more to die.
Say, O wond'ring Mary, say,
What thou sawest on thy way.
''I beheld where Christ had lain,
Empty tomb and angels twain ;
I beheld the glory bright
Of the rising Lord of light :
Christ, my hope, is ris'n again ;
Now He lives, and lives to reign."
Christ, Who once for sinners bled,
Now the first-born from the dead,
Thron'd in endless might and power,
Lives and reigns for evermore.
Hail, eternal hope on high !
Hail, thou King of victory !
Hail, thou Prince of life ador'd !
Help and save us, gracious Lord.
— Miss Leeson's translation.
YE sons and daughters of the Lord !
The King of glory, King adored.
This day Himself from death restored.
All in the early morning gray
Went holy women on their way,
To see the tomb where Jesus lay.
68o
Various Devotions
Of spices pure a precious store
In their pure hands those women bore,
To anoint the sacred body o'er.
Then straightway one in white they see,
Who saith, ''Ye seek the Lord; but He
Is risen and gone to GaUlee."
This told they Peter, told they John ;
Who forthwith to the tomb are gone,
But Peter is by John outrun.
That selfsame night, while, out of fear,
The doors were shut, their Lord most dear
To His apostles did appear.
But Thomas, when of this he heard.
Was doubtful of his brethren's word ;
Wherefore again there comes the Lord.
''Thomas, behold My side," saith He;
"My hands, My feet, My body see.
And doubt not, but beUeve in Me."
When Thomas saw that wounded side.
The truth no longer he denied ;
"Thou art my Lord and God !" he cried.
Oh, blest are they who have not seen
Their Lord, and yet believe in Him !
Eternal life awaiteth them.
Now let us praise the Lord most high.
And strive His name to magnify
On this great day, through earth and sky :
Whose mercy ever runneth o'er ;
Whom men and angel hosts adore ;
To Him be glory evermore.
— Father Caswell's translation.
Various Devotions
68i
HE dawn was purpling o'er the sky;
With alleluias rang the air ;
Earth held a glorious jubilee ;
Hell gnash'd its teeth in fierce despair :
When our most valiant mighty King
From death's abyss, in dread array,
Led the long-prison'd Fathers forth,
Into the beam of life and day :
When He, whom stone and seal and guard
Had safely to the tomb consign'd,
Triumphant rose, and buried Death
Deep in the grave He left behind.
"Calm all your grief, and still your tears;"
Hark ! the descending angel cries ;
"For Christ is risen from the dead,
And Death is slain, no more to rise."
— Ibid.
ow at the Lamb's high royal feast.
In robes of saintly white, we sing.
Through the Red Sea in safety brought
By Jesus, our immortal King.
O depth of love ! for us He drains
The chalice of His agony ;
For us a Victim on the Cross
He meekly lays Him down to die.
And as the avenging Angel pass'd
Of old the blood-sprinkled door ;
As the cleft sea a passage gave.
Then closed to whelm th' Egyptians o'er ;
So Christ, our Paschal Sacrifice,
Has brought us safe all perils through ;
While for unleaven'd bread He asks
But heart sincere and purpose true.
682
Various Devotions
Hail, purest Victim Heav'n could find
The powers of Hell to overthrow !
Who didst the bonds of Death unbind ;
Who dost the prize of Life bestow.
Hail, victor Christ ! hail, risen King !
To Thee alone belongs the crown ;
Who hast the heavenly gates unbarr'd,
And cast the prince of darkness down.
O Jesus ! from the death of sin
Keep us, we pray ; so shalt Thou be
The everlasting Paschal joy
Of all the souls new-born in Thee.
To God the Father, with the Son
Who from the grave immortal rose,
And Thee, O Paraclete, be praise
While age on endless ages flows.
— Ibid.
Detections in Monov of tbe Blessed
IBeiJtcatiott to lIHars
Y Queen ! my Mother ! I give myself entirely
to thee ; and to show my devotion to thee, I
consecrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears, my
mouth, my heart, my whole being, without reserve.
Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep
me, guard me, as thy property and possession.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the
Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, Aug. 5, 185 1,
granted to all the faithful who, with fervor and at
least contrite heart, shall say, morning and evening,
one Hail Mary, together with this prayer, to implore
of the Blessed Virgin victory over temptations, es-
Sweet Heart of Alary, be my salvation !— Indulgence
of 300 Days.
Various Devotions 683
pecially over those against chastity, an indulgence of
100 days, once a day.
^fjrcr (Sufferings in ?§onor of t^t ISlmt'Q Ftrgtn UKarg
I. OLiEST Mrgin, with all my heart I worship
r-*— b thee above all the angels and saints in
paradise as the daughter of the eternal Father, and
to thee I consecrate my soul and all its powers.
Hail Alary, etc.
II. Holiest Virgin, with all my heart I worship thee
above all the angels and saints in paradise as the
Mother of the only-begotten Son, and to thee I con-
secrate my body with all its senses. Hail Mary, etc.
III. Hohest Virgin, with all my heart I worship
thee above all the angels and saints in paradise as the
spouse of the Holy Ghost, and to thee I consecrate my
heart and all its affections, praying thee to obtain for
me from the ever blessed Trinity all the graces which
I need for my salvation. Hail Mary, etc.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Leo XII,
Oct. 21, 1823.
^rager of Bt. ^Ipfjonsits tie ILiguort to tfje iSItsseti
Firgin fHarg
iTiosT holy and im.maculate Virgin ! O my
t^*"^* Mother 1 thou who art the Mother of my Lord,
the Queen of the world, the advocate, hope, and
refuge of sinners ! I, the most wretched among them,
now come to thee. I worship thee, great Queen, and
give thee thanks for the many favors thou hast be-
stowed on me in the past ; most of all do I thank thee
for having saved me from hell, which I had so often
684
Various Devotions
deserved. I love thee, Lady most worthy of all love,
and, by the love which I bear thee, I promise ever in
the future to serve thee, and to do what in me hes to
win others to thy love. In thee I put all my trust,
all my hope of salvation. Receive me as thy servant,
and cover me with the mantle of thy protection, thou
who art the Mother of mercy ! And since thou hast so
much power with God, deliver me from all tempta-
tions, or at least obtain for me the grace ever to over-
come them. From thee I ask a true love of Jesus
Christ, and the grace of a happy death. 0 my
Mother ! by thy love for God I beseech thee to be at
all times my helper, but above all at the last moment
of my life. Leave me not until thou seest me safe in
heaven, there for endless ages to bless thee and sing
thy praises. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time ; plenary indul-
gence once a month, on the usual conditions. — Pius
IX, Sept. 7, 1854.
©eUicatian of <Elopius to (Bnx iLatig
OST holy Mary, my Lady, into thy blessed
trust and special custody, and into the bosom
of thy mercy I this day, every day, and in the hour
of my death, commend my soul and my body : to
thee I commit all my anxieties and miseries, my
life and the end of my life, that by thy most holy
intercession and by thy merits all my actions may
be directed and disposed according to thy will and
that of thy Son. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
Various Devotions
68s
To Obtain some Spiritual or Temporal Favor
Recite each day three Hail Marys, in thanksgiving
to the most holy Trinity for the privileges bestowed
on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then recite the follow-
ing prayer :
OUR Lady of Perpetual Help, show that thou art
indeed our Mother, and obtain for me the favor
I desire (here specify the desired favor) and the grace to
use it for the glory of God and the salvation of my soul.
Glorious St. Alphonsus, who by thy confidence in
the Blessed Virgin didst obtain from her so many
favors, and who, by thy writings, hast shown us what
graces God bestows on us by the hands of Alary !
Obtain for me the greatest confidence in our good
Mother of Perpetual Help, and beg of her to grant
me the favor I am asking of her power and maternal
goodness.
Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus, and by the
intercession of our Mother of Perpetual Help, and of
St. Alphonsus, I pray Thee to hear me and to grant
my request, if it be to Thy greater glory and the good
of my soul. Amen.
i^rag^r to fHavg, ^ur ILatig ni ^ooti (JTounsrl
OST glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal
Counsel to be the Alother of the Eternal Word
made Man, treasure-house of divine graces and ad-
vocate of sinners ; I, the most unworthy of thy serv-
ants, have recourse to thee, begging of thee to be my
guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for
686
Various Devotions
me, through the most precious blood of thy divine
Son, forgiveness of my sins, and the salvation of my
soul with all the means necessary to secure it. Ob-
tain for Holy Church triumph over her enemies and
the extension of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ over
the whole earth. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Nov.
23, 1880.
^-T-r'H ! sweet Mother, it is sufficient for me to tell
^J^J^ thee my need and difficulty, for thy loving heart
always longs to help thy children. Remember the
Holy Ghost has made thee the Mother of Good Coun-
sel in order that we might find in thee a guardian and
a guide. Turn to me then, I beseech thee, and listen
to my prayer. Show me how to act in this matter,
for the glory of God and the good of my soul. Amen.
QEMORARE, O piissima
Virgo Maria, non
esse auditum a saeculo
quemquam ad tua curren-
tem prassidia, tua implo-
rantem auxilia, tua peten-
tem suifragia, esse dere-
lictum. Ego tali anima-
tus confidentia, ad te,
Virgo virginum. Mater,
curro ad te venio, coram
te gemens peccator as-
sisto; noh. Mater Verbi,
verba mea despicere, sed
audi propitia, et exaudi.
Amen.
EMEMBER, O mOSt
r-LAs gracious Virgin
Mary ! that never was it
known that any one who
fled to thy protection, im-
plored thy help, and
sought thy intercession,
was left unaided. Inspired
with this confidence, I fly
unto thee, O Virgin of
virgins, my Mother ! To
thee I come ; before thee
I stand, sinful and sorrow-
ful. O Mother of the
Word incarnate ! despise
not my petitions, but, in
thy mercy, hear and an-
swer me. Amen.
Various Devotions
687
Indulgence of 300 days, every time ; also a plenary
indulgence, once a month, to all those who, having
said it at least once a day for a month, on any day,
being truly penitent, after confession and communion,
shall visit a church or public oratory, and pray there,
for some time, for the intention of His Hohness. —
Pius IX, Dec. II, 1846.
EJACULATION
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 30, 1852.
i^ragcr to ^ur ILatig, {^at\)tx of Btbtnf iSrobttifnce
O IMMACULATE \'irgin ]Mary, ^Mother of Divine
Providence, take possession of my soul with all the
fulness of thy favor and protection. Govern thou my
life, and direct it along the way of virtue to the fulfilment
of the divine will. Do thou obtain for me the pardon of
my sins; be my refuge, my protection, my defense, my
guide in the pilgrimage of this life ; console me in afflic-
tions, sustain me in dangers, and in the storms of adversity
afford me the security of thy guardianship. Obtain for me,
0 Mar>', the renewal of my heart within me, so that it may
become the holy dwelling-place of thy divine Son, Jesus;
remove far from me, weak and miserable as I am, ever}'
kind of sin, negligence, sloth, timidity and human respect ;
entirely expel from me pride, vainglory, self-love, and all
other earthly affections which hinder the efficacy of thy
patronage. 0 sweetest Mother of Providence, turn thy
maternal regard upon me, and if through frailty or malice
1 have provoked the menaces of the eternal Judge and
embittered the most sacred Heart of my loving Jesus, do
thou throw over me the mantle of thy protection, and I
shall be safe. Thou art the watchful Mother, the \'irgin
- 688 . Various Devotions
of forgiveness, and my hope on earth; oh, grant that I
may have thee for the Mother of glory in heaven. Ave
Maria, thrice.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Feb.
27, 1886.
l£jacxilatt0ns
ODoMiNA mea ! O /T\Y Queen ! my Mother !
Mater mea ! memento remember I am thine,
me esse tuum.
Serva me, defende me, ut Keep me, guard me, as
rem et possessionem tuam. thy property and possession.
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation !
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX, Sept. 30,
. 1852.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March
15, 1884.
Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of mercy, pray for
me and for the departed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec.
15, 1883.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament, pray for us !
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us !
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, June
25, 1902.
Mary, most sorrowful Mother of all Christians, pray
for us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
Various Devotions
689
Our Lady of Good Studies, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, May 22, 1906.
Mary, our hope, have pity on us I
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 8, 1906.
Cfjaplet in l^onor of tijr Cmmaculatr l^rart of fHarg,
^ur Hatig of ^orroixjs
Suitable for a Novena
V. ^T^EUsin adjutorium V. God ! come to my
meum intende. assistance.
R. Domine ad adjuvan- R. O Lord ! make haste to
dum me festina. help me.
V. Gloria Patri, et FiHo, V. Glory be to the Father,
etc. etc.
R. Sicut erat, etc. R. As it was, etc.
I. *T*MMACULATE Mrgin, who, conceived without
r-L, sin, didst direct every movement of thy most
pure heart to that God Who was ever the object of thy
love, and who wast ever most submissive to His will ;
obtain for me the grace to hate sin with my whole heart,
and to learn of thee to live in perfect resignation to the
will of God.
Our Father, once. Hail Mary, seven times.
Heart transpierced with pain and woe !
Set my heart with love aglow.
II. 'tt' marvel, Mary, at thy deep humility, through
w^hich thy blessed heart was troubled at the
gracious message brought thee by Gabriel, the archangel,
that thou wast chosen Mother of the Son of the ^lost High,
and through w^hich thou didst proclaim thyself His humble
handmaid; wherefore, in great confusion at the sight of
my pride, I ask thee for the grace of a contrite and humble
690
Various Devotions
heart, that, knowing my own misery, I may obtain that
crown of glory promised to the truly humble of heart.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
III. ^IT^LESSED Virgin, who, in thy sweetest heart
gMz^ didst keep as a precious treasure the words
of Jesus, thy Son, and, pondering on the lofty mysteries
they contained, didst learn to live for God alone; how
doth my cold heart confound me ! O dearest Mother !
get me grace so to meditate within my heart upon God's
holy law that I may strive to follow thee in the fervent
practice of every Christian virtue.
Our Father, etc.. Heart, etc.
IV. ^^LORious Queen of martyrs, whose sacred
v5) heart was pierced in thy Son's bitter pas-
sion by the sword whereof the holy old Simeon had prophe-
sied ; gain for my heart true courage and a holy patience
to bear the troubles and misfortunes of this miserable life,
so that by crucifying my flesh w^ith its desires, while fol-
lowing the mortification of the cross, I may, indeed, show
myself to be a true son of thine.
Our Father, etc.. Heart, etc.
V. MARY, mystical rose, with loving heart, burn-
ing with the living fire of charity. Thou didst
accept us for thy children at the foot of the cross, becom-
ing thus our tender Mother ! make me feel the sweetness
of thy maternal heart and thy power with Jesus that, when
menaced by the perils of this mortal life, and most of all in
the dread hour of death, my heart, united with thine, may
love my Jesus then and through all ages. Amen.
Our Father, etc., Heart, etc.
EET us now turn to the most sacred Heart of Jesus that
He m_ay inflame us with His holy love.
O divine Heart of Jesus ! to Thee I consecrate myself,
full of deep gratitude for the. many blessings I have re-
ceived and daily do receive from Thy boundless charity.
With my whole heart I thank Thee for having, in addition
to them all, vouchsafed to give me Thy own most holy
Various Devotions
691
Mother, giving me to her as a son, in the person of the
beloved disciple. Let my heart ever burn with love for
Thee, finding in Thy sweetest Heart its peace, its refuge,
and its happiness.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Dec. 11,
1854.
Nobtna in J^onor of tfje immaculate (JTonceptton
IMMACULATE Virgin ! Mary, conceived without
sin ! Remember, thou wert miraculously preserved
from even the shadow of sin, because thou wert destined
to become not only the Mother of God, but also the mother,
the refuge, and the advocate of man ; penetrated, therefore,
with the most lively confidence in thy never-failing inter-
cession, we most humbly implore thee to look with favor
upon the intentions of this novena, and to obtain for us the
graces and the favors we request. Thou knowest, O Mary,
how often our hearts are the sanctuaries of God, Who
abhors iniquity. Obtain for us, then, that angelic purity
which was thy favorite virtue, that purity of heart which
will attach us to God alone, and that purity of intention
which will consecrate every thought, word, and action to
His greater glory. Obtain also for us a constant spirit
of prayer and self-denial, that we may recover by pen-
ance that innocence which we have lost by sin, and at
length attain safely to that blessed abode of the saints,
where nothing defiled can enter.
0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee.
Recite the ''Litany of the Blessed Virgin," or the follow-
ing Hymn.
F. ^^^OTA pulchra es, V. ^^^hou art all fair,
V5> Maria. \Sf O Mary.
R. Et macula originalis R. And the original stain
non est in te. is not in thee.
692
Various Devotions
V. Tu gloria Jerusalem.
R. Tu lastitia Israel.
V. Tu honorificentia po-
puli nostri.
R. Tu advocata peccato-
rum.
V. 0 Maria.
R. O Maria.
V. Virgo prudentissima.
R. Mater clementissima.
V. Ora pro nobis.
R. Intercede pro nobis ad
Dominum Jesum Christum.
V. In conceptione tua,
Virgo Immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Pa-
trem cujus Fihum pepe-
risti.
V. Domina, protege ora-
tionem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te
veniat.
Oremus
ANCTA Alaria, regina
coelorum, mater Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi, et
mundi domina, quae nul-
lum derelinquis, et nullum
despicis : respice me, do-
mina, clementer oculo pie-
tatis, et impetra mihi apud
tuum dilectum Filium cunc-
torum veniam peccatorum :
ut qui nunc tuam sanctam et
immaculatam conceptionem
V. Thou art the glory of
Jerusalem.
R. Thou art the joy of
Israel.
V. Thou art the honor of
our people.
R. Thou art the advo-
cate of sinners.
V. OMary.
R. 0 Mary.
V. Virgin, most prudent.
R. Mother, most tender.
V. Pray for us.
R. Intercede for us with
Jesus Christ Our Lord.
V. In thy conception,
Holy Virgin, thou wast
immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the
Father, Whose Son thou
didst bring forth.
V. O Lady ! aid my
prayer.
R. And let my cry come
unto thee.
Let us pray
OLY Mary, Queen of
heaven. Mother of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, and mis-
tress of the world, who
forsakest no one, and de-
spises t no one, look upon
me, O Lady ! with an eye
of pity, and entreat for
me of thy beloved Son
the forgiveness of all my
sins; that, as I now cele-
brate, with devout affec-
Various Devotions
693
devoto affectu recolo, aeter-
nae in futurum beatitu-
dinis, bravium capiam, ipso,
quern virgo peperisti, do-
nante Domino nostro Jesu
Christo : qui cum Patre et
Sancto Spiritu vivit et
regnat, in Trinitate perfecta,
Deus, in saecula sasculorum.
Amen.
tion, thy holy and immacu-
late conception, so, here-
after, I may receive the prize
of eternal blessedness, by
the grace of Him whom thou,
in virginity, didst bring
forth, Jesus Christ our Lord :
Who, with the Father and
the Holy Ghost, liveth and
reigneth, in perfect Trinity,
God, world without end.
Amen.
Then Add the Following Prayer:
OGoD, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, look
mercifully down on Thy servant, our Holy Father,
Pope N., whom Thou hast chosen to be the shepherd of
Thy Church.
Grant, we beseech Thee, that he may both by word and
example benefit those over whom he governs, that, together
with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to life
everlasting.
O God, our refuge and our strength, listen to the prayers
of Thy servants, and grant that we may obtain what we
ask for with faith and confidence, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
pious lEiercise tn l^onor of ^ur 3Latis of IBolors
gANCTA mater istud agas, "^tJiD me bear, O Mother
Crucifixi fige plagas blessed !
Cordi meo vaUde. On my heart the wounds
impressed
Sufifered by the Crucified.
An indulgence of 300 days, once a day, to those who,
with contrite heart, shall say the Hail Mary seven times,
and, after each Hail Mary, the stanza, as above. — Pius
VH, Dec. I, 1815.
694
Various Devotions
iPrager Consecration to ^ur Hatij of ^^crpetual l^clp
©OST holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, whom I
love to honor under the lovely title of Mother of
Perpetual Help, I, N., although most unworthy to be thy
servant, yet moved by thy wonderful compassion, and by
my desire to serve thee, now choose thee, in presence of my
guardian angel and of the whole celestial court, for my
queen, advocate, and mother : and I firmly purpose always
to love and serve thee for the future, and to do whatever
I can to induce others to love and serve thee also. I be-
seech thee, O Mother of God, and my most compassionate
and loving Mother, by the blood which thy Son shed for
me, to receive me into the number of thy servants, to be
thy child and servant forever. Assist me in my thoughts,
words, and actions every moment of my life, so that all
may be directed to the greater glory of my God ; and
through thy most powerful intercession, may I never more
offend my beloved Jesus, but may I glorify Him, and love
Him on earth, and enjoy and praise Him forever in heaven.
Amen.
^Prager to ^ur ilatig, HBlotljer of ConftDcncc
IMMACULATE Mary, when we venerate thee under the
gracious title of Mother of Confidence, how our
hearts overflow with the sweetest consolation, how we are
moved to hope for every good gift from thee ! That such
a name should have been given to thee is a sign that none
have recourse to thee in vain. Receive, then, with a
mother's compassion these acts of homage, with which
we earnestly pray thee to be propitious to us in every
necessity. Above all we ask thee to make us live ever
united to thee and thy divine Son Jesus. Under thy es-
cort we shall safely walk along the straight road; and so
shall it be our lot to hear on the last day of our Hves those
consoling words : Come, O faithful servant, enter into the
joy of thy Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XHI,
June 23, 1902.
Various Devotions
69s
Pragtr to ^111 ilatig of iligiit
OUR Lady of Light, spouse of the Holy Ghost, I give
thee my whole self, soul and body, all I have, or may
have, to keep for Jesus, that I may be His for evermore.
Our Lady of Light, spouse of the Holy Ghost, pray for
me.
^fje J^gmn ^be, fHarts Stella
VE, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix coeli porta.
Sumens illud ave
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Hevae nomen.
Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen caecis.
Mala nostra pelle.
Bona cuncta posce,
Monstra te esse Matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus,
Tulit esse tuus.
Virgo singularis.
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos,
Mites fac et castos.
Vitam praesta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntes Jesum
Semper collaetemur.
AIL, thou star of ocean !
Portal of the sky 1
Ever virgin Mother
Of the Lord most high !
Oh ! by Gabriel's Ave,
Uttered long ago,
Eva's name reversing,
Estabhsh peace below.
Break the captive's fetters.
Light on blindness pour;
All our ills expeUing,
Ev^ery bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us incarnate
Did not thee despise.
Virgin of all virgins !
To thy shelter take us ;
Gentlest of the gentle !
Chaste and gentle make us.
Still, as on we journey.
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice forever.
696
Various Devotions
Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spiritui sancto,
Tribus honor unus.
Through the highest heaven,
To the almighty Three,
Father, Son, and Spirit,
One same glory be.
Amen.
Amen.
His Holiness Leo XHI, by a rescript of the Sacred Con-
gregation of Indulgences, Jan. 27, 1888, granted to the
faithful who shall recite the above hymn, an indulgence of
three hundred days, once a day.
Jlrager to dBux ILatig of ^orrobjs
MARY ! I beseech thee by the sorrows
thou didst experience in beholding thy
divine Son dying on the cross, procure for
me a good death ; obtain for me that, having
loved Jesus and thee, my most tender Mother,
here on earth, I may love you both and bless
you eternally in heaven. Amen.
Nobcna in l^onor of i\)t ©olors of tfje iSIcsseli Vix^in
MOST holy and afflicted Virgin ! Queen f
of martyrs ! thou who didst stand be-
neath the cross, witnessing the agony of thy
divine Son — through the unceasing suffer-
ings of thy life of sorrow, and the bliss which li
now more than amply repays thee for thy past ^
trials, look down with a mother's tenderness
and pity on me, who kneel before thee to ^
venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, |
with filial confidence, in the sanctuary of thy l
Various Devotions
697
wounded heart ; present them, I beseech thee,
on my behalf, to Jesus Christ. Through the
merits of His most sacred passion and death,
and through thy sufferings at the foot of the
cross, I hope to obtain the grant of my pres-
ent petition. To whom shall I recur in
my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother
of mercy, who, having so deeply drunk of the
chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the
woes of those who still sigh in the land of
exile? Sancta Maria, Mater Dolorosa, ora
pro me!
INVOCATION
0 Mary ! conceived without sin, pray for us
who have recourse to thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884.
EJACULATION
Blessed be the holy and immaculate conception of
the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
His HoHness, Pope Leo XIII, revoking the conces-
, sion made Nov. 21, 1793, by the Sovereign Pontiff,
Pius VI, granted by brief, Sept. 10, 1S78, to all the
faithful each time that, devoutly and with contrite
, hearts, they recite this ejaculation, an indulgence of
j 300 days.
INVOCATION
BANCTA Virgo Maria oly Virgin Mary im-
immaculata, Mater r*-G maculate, Mother
Dei, Mater nostra, Tu of God and our Mother,
698
Various Devotions
pro nobis loquere ad cor speak thou for us to the
Jesu, qui tuus Filius est Heart of Jesus, Who is
et Frater noster. thy Son and our brother.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 20, 1890.
ANTHEM, VERSICLE, AND PRAYER IN HONOR OF
THE IMMACULATE MARY
*y^iEC est virga in
Ant.
qua nec nodus
originaHs, nec cortex ac-
tuaHs culpse fuit.
V. In conceptione tua
virgo immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Pa-
trem, cujus FiHum pepe-
risti.
Oremus
*T^EUS qui per immacu-
r-L' latam Virginis con-
cept ionem dignum FiHo
tuo habitaculum praepa-
rasti: quaesumus, ut qui
ex morte ejusdem Filii tui
praevisa earn ab omni labe
praeservasti, nos quoque
mundos ejus intercessione
ad te pervenire concedas.
Per eumdem Christum
Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Ant. /^His is the rod
in which was
neither knot of original sin,
nor rind of actual guilt.
V. In thy conception,
O Virgin ! thou wast im-
maculate.
R. Pray for us to the
Father, Whose Son thou
didst bring forth.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who, by the
immaculate concep-
tion of the Virgin, didst
prepare a worthy habita-
tion for Thy Son ; we be-
seech Thee that, as in
view of the death of that
Son, Thou didst preserve
her from all stain of sin,
so thou wouldst enable us,'^
being made pure by her
intercession, to come untoi:
Thee. Through the same!
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Various Devotions
699
To the faithful who shall say this anthem, versicle,
and prayer, an indulgence of 100 days, each time. —
Pius IX, March 31, 1876.
•ffnDulgenceD Bets of Consecration to tbe Mcbbc^
For the Members of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Sodality
I
<Ect of (^msttxdLtwn
By St. John Berchmans
OLY Mary, Mother of God, and Virgin, I choose
thee this day for my queen, patron, and advo-
cate, and firmly resolve and purpose never to aban-
don thee, never to say or do anything against thee,
nor to permit that aught be done by others to dis-
honor thee. Receive me, then, I conjure thee, as
thy perpetual servant ; assist me in all my actions and
do not abandon me at the hour of my death. Amen.
. Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation. — Pius
f\ X, Nov. 17, 1906,
II
^ct of (Consecration
j By St. Francis de Sales
A /T\ost Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, I {full
rjB, name) , most unworthy though I am to be thy
Cf> servant, yet touched by thy motherly care for me and
ic^ longing to serve thee, do, in the presence of my guard-
700
Various Devotions
ian angel and all the court of heaven, choose thee this
day to be my queen, my advocate, and my mother,
and I firmly purpose to serve thee evermore myself,
and to do what I can that all may render faithful
service to thee.
Therefore, most devoted Mother, through the pre-
cious blood thy Son poured out for me, I beg thee and
beseech thee, deign to take me among thy clients and
receive me as thy servant forever.
Aid me in my every action, and beg for me the
grace never, by word or deed or thought, to be dis-
pleasing in thy sight and that of thy most holy Son.
Think of me, my dearest Mother, and desert me not
at the hour of death. Amen. j
Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation. — Pius
X, Nov. 17, 1906.
By request of the Rev. Fr. Elder Mullan, S.J.,
an indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the souls in
purgatory, has been attached to the devout recitation,
every time, of each of the acts of consecration, by
members regularly enrolled in the Sodality of the
Blessed Virgin. The first of the two forms was used
by St. John Berchmans, the other by St. Francis de
Sales. The Sacred Congregation authenticates the
concession of the indulgence under date of Nov. 17, i
1906. Signed by Cardinal Tripepi, Prefect, and by
Archbishop Panici, Secretary. — American Ecclesias-
tical Review, May, 1907, p. 555.
)
^\)t jFour Sreat "Entljems of tlje iSlesseti Ftrgtn ilHarg
; i
Alma Redemptoris, Ave Regina Cxlorum, Regina ']
Cceli and Salve Regina - I
They are to be recited in the following order, in the 1
course of the year.
Various Devotions
701
A Sahhato ante I Do7n. Ad-
ventus usque ad Purifi-
cationem inclusive.
LMA Redemptoris
Mater, quae pervia
coeli Porta manes, et stella
maris, succurre cadenti.
Surgere qui curat, popu-
lo : tu quae genuisti,
Natura mirante, tuum
sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prius ac posterius
Gabrielis ab ore,
Sumens illud Ave, pec-
catorum miserere.
From the Saturday before
the first Sunday of Ad-
vent to Candlemas in-
clusive.
OTHER of Christ ! hear
thou thy people's
cry, Star of the deep, and
portal of the sky.
Mother of Him Who
thee from nothing made.
Sinking we strive and
call to thee for aid.
Oh, by that joy which
Gabriel brought to thee,
Pure Virgin, first and
last, look on our misery.
In Adventu
V. Angelus Domini
nuntiavit Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spir-
itu sancto.
Oremus
RATIAM Tuam, quae-
sumus Domine, men-
tibus nostris infunde :
ut Qui, angelo nuntiante,
Christi Filii Tui incarnati-
onem cognovimus, per pas-
sionem ejus et crucem, ad
In Advent
V. The angel of the
Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived
of the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray
OUR forth, we be-
seech Thee, 0 Lord,
Thy grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the In-
carnation of Christ, Thy
Son, was made known by
the message of an angel,
702
Various Devotions
resurrectionis gloriam per-
ducamur. Per eumdem
Christum Dominum nos-
trum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium
maneat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
A Vigilia Nativitatis us-
que ad totam diem Puri-
ficationis.
may by His Passion and
cross be brought to the
glory of His resurrection.
Through the same Christ
our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine as-
sistance remain always
with us.
R. Amen.
From the First Vespers of
Christmas to Candle-
mas.
V. Post partum Virgo V. After childbirth, O
inviolata permansisti. Virgin, thou didst remain
inviolate.
R. Dei Genitrix, inter- R. O Mother of God,
cede pro nobis. plead for us.
Oremus Let us pray
^TpVEUS, Qui salutis aeter- God, Who by the
A<J nse, beatae Mariae fruitful virginity of
Virginitate foecunda, hu- blessed Mary hast given
mano generi prsemia prae- to mankind the rewards of
stitisti : tribue, quaesumus; eternal salvation: grant,
ut ipsam pro nobis inter- we beseech thee, that we ■
cedere sentiamus per may experience her inter-
quam meruimus aucto- cession for us, by Whom
rem vitae suscipere. Do- we deserved to receive the
minum nostrum Jesum Author of life. Our Lord ^
Christum Filium tuum : Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
qui tecum vivit et regnat Who liveth and reigneth
in unitate Spiritus Sancti with Thee in the unity of .
Various Devotions
703
Deus, per omnia saecula the Holy Ghost, God,
saeculorum. world without end.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
V. Di\dnum auxilium T'. ^lay the divine as-
maneat semper nobiscum. sistance remain always
with us.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
^ibr i^lrgtna Corlorum
A Purificatione usque at From Candlemas until Cofn-
Completorium Sahhati pline on Holy Saturday
Sancti exclusive. exclusively.
AXTIPHOXA
VE Regina coe-
lorum,
Ave Domina Angelo-
rum :
Salve radix, salve
porta,
Ex qua mundo lux est
orta.
Gaude Mrgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa :
\'ale. 0 valde de
cora,
Et pro nobis Christum
exora.
V. Dignare me laudare
te, Virgo sacrata.
R. Da mihi virtutem
contra hostes tuos.
ANTHEM
AIL, O Queen of
heav'n enthroned !
Hail, by angels ^Mistress
owned I
Root of Jesse ! Gate of
morn,
WTience the world's true
Light was born :
Glorious Virgin, joy to
thee.
Beautiful surpassingly !
Fairest thou where all are
fair!
Plead for us a pitying
prayer.
V. Grant that I may
praise thee, 0 blessed Vir-
gin.
R. Give me strength
against thine enemies.
Various Devotions
Oremus
aONCEDE, misericors
Deus, fragilitati nos-
tras praesidium : ut qui
sanctae Dei Genitricis me-
moriam agimus, interces-
sionis ejus auxilio a nos-
tris iniquitatibus resurga-
mus. Per eumdem Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium
maneat semper nobiscum.
R, Amen.
Let us pray
OMOST merciful God,
grant succor unto our
frailty ; that as we cele-
brate the memory of the
holy Mother of God, so by
the help of her intercession
we may rise again from
our sins. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine as-
sistance remain always
with us.
R. Amen.
i^egma (Spirit
A Completorio Sahhati
Sancti usque ad Nonam
Sahhati post Pentecosten
indusive.
From Compline of Holy
Saturday until None on
the Saturday after Pente-
cost inclusively.
ANTIPHONA
EGiNA coeK, laetare,
Alleluia,
Quia quem meruisti por-
tare. Alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit, Al-
leluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alle-
luia.
V. Gaude et laetare,
Virgo Maria, Alleluia.
ANTHEM
O QUEEN of Heaven,
rejoice, Alleluia,
For He Whom thou wast
meet to bear. Alleluia,
Hath risen, as He said,
Alleluia.
Pray for us to God, Alle-
luia.
V. Rejoice and be glad,
O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
Various Devotions
70s
R. Quia surrexit Do-
minus vere, Alleluia.
Oremus
^r^EVS, Qui per resur-
JLI rectionem Filii Tui
Domini nostri Jesu Christi
mundum laetificare digna-
tus es; praesta quaesu-
mus ; ut per ejus Genitri-
cem Virginem Mariam
perpetuae capiamus gaudia
vitae. Per eumdem Chris-
tum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium
maneat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
A Completorio Sahhati post
Pentecosten usque ad Ad-
ventum.
\
ANTIPHONA
I ^Talve Regina, Mater
I misericordiae, vita,
' dulcedo, et spes nostra
salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules
filii Hevae ;
R. For the Lord hath
risen indeed, Alleluia.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who didst
vouchsafe to give joy
to the world through the
resurrection of Thy Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ;
grant, we beseech Thee,
that, through His Mother,
the Virgin Mary, we may
obtain the joys of ever-
lasting life. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine as-
sistance remain always
with us.
R. Amen.
From Compline of the
Saturday after Pente-
cost until Advent.
ANTHEM
AIL, holy Queen,
Mother of mercy!
Hail, our Kfe, our sweet-
ness, and our hope !
To thee do we cry, poor
banished children of Eve ;
7o6
Various Devotions
Ad te suspiramus, ge-
mentes et flentes in hac
lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nos-
tra illos tuos misericordes
oculos ad nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum
fructum ventris tui, nobis
post hoc exilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O
dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis
sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur
promissionibus Christi.
Oremus
OMNiPOTENS sempiterne
Deus, qui gloriosae
Virginis Matris Mariae cor-
pus et animam ut dignum
Filii tui habitaculum effici
mereretur, Spiritu sancto
cooperante praeparasti : da
ut cujus commemoratione
laetamur, ejus pia inter-
cessione ab instantibus
malis, et a morte perpetua
liberemur. Per eumdem
Christum Dominum nos-
trum.
To thee do we send up
our sighs, mourning and
weeping in this vale of
tears.
Turn then, most gra-
cious advocate, thine eyes
of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile
show unto us the blessed
fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O
sweet Virgin Mary.
F. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
R. That we may be
made worthy of the prom-
ises of Christ.
Let us pray
LMiGHTY, everlasting
God, Who, by the
co-operation of the Holy
Ghost, didst so make
ready the body and soul
of the glorious virgin
Mother, Mary, that she
deserved to become a
meet dwelling for Thy
Son : grant that we, who
rejoice in her memory,
may by her loving inter-
cession be delivered from
the evils that hang over
us, and from everlasting
death. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Various Devotions
707
R. Amen.
V. Divinum auxilium
maneat semper nobiscum.
R. Amen.
R. Amen.
V. May the divine as-
sistance remain always
with us.
R. Amen.
Zbc October IRosar^
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by his Encyclical Supremi
Apostolatus, Sept. i, 1883, and by a decree of the
S. Congr. of Rites, Aug. 20, 1885, had granted and
confirmed some Indulgences for the saying of the
Rosary during the month of October ; then by a re-
script of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, July 23, 1898,
he made them perpetual and modified them, granting
to the faithful who, during the said month, publicly in
church or privately anywhere, recite at least a third
part of the Rosary, an indulgence of 7 years and 7
quarantines on each day of that month ; a plenary
indulgence on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, or
on any one day of its octave, to those w^ho, both on the
feast itself and on every day of its octave, shall have
recited at least a third part of the Rosary on the usual
conditions : confession, communion, and a visit to some
church or public oratory and there praying according
to the intention of the Pope. A plenary indulgence,
on any one day, to those who, after the said octave,
shall have recited at least the third part of the Rosary
for ten days during the same month, on the same con-
ditions.
7o8
Various Devotions
THE FRUIT OF EACH MYSTERY
Joyful Mysteries. — Spirit of Holy Joy
1 . Annunciation Humility.
2. Visitation Fraternal Charity.
3. Nativity Spirit of Poverty.
4. Presentation Obedience; Purity.
5. Jesus with the Doctors Love of Jesus and de-
votedness to the duties
of our state of life.
Sorrowful Mysteries. — Spirit of Compassion, Con-
trition, and Reparation
1. Agony. . .
2. Scourging
3. Crowning with Thorns .
4. Carriage of the Cross . .
5. Crucifixion
. Fervor in Prayer.
.Penance, and especially'
Mortification of the
senses.
.Moral Courage.
. Patience.
. Self-sacrifice for God and
for our Neighbor; for-
giveness of injuries.
Glorious Mysteries. — Spirit of Adoration and Faith
1. Resurrection Faith.
2 . Ascension Hope.
3. Descent of the Holy
Ghost Love and Zeal for Souls.
4. Assumption Fihal Devotion to Mary.
5. Coronation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Perseverance.
Various Devotions
709
PIOUS custom assigns the different parts of the
Rosary to different days of the week, as follows:
1. The Joyful ^Mysteries are honored on ^Mondays
and Thursdays throughout the year, and on all Sun-
days from the first of Advent to the first of Lent.
2. The Sorrowful ^Mysteries are honored on Tues-
days and Fridays throughout the year, and on Sun-
days of Lent.
3. The Glorious ]\Iysteries are honored on Wed-
nesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, and on
all Sundays from Easter to Advent.
?3rager to ^ux iLatis of tfje l^osarg
VIRGIN Mary, grant that the recitation of thy
Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst
of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions,
a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an en-
couragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty.
Grant, above all, 0 Virgin Mary, that the study of
thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by
little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening,
and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding,
my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my
whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying
while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by
interior acts of admiration and of suppKcation, or by
aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the
Holy Rosary, through St. Dominic, thy son of pre-
dilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries,
and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X,
March 15, 1907.
Various Devotions
Xlttle ©fKce of tbe Ifmmaculate Conception
iKattns
Eia, mea labia, nunc an-
nuntiate
Laudes et praeconia Vir-
ginis beatae.
*~p^OMiNA, in adjuto-
rL-r rium meum in-
tende.
R. Me de manu hos-
tium potenter defende.
F. Gloria Patri, etc.
Alleluia.
Come, my lips, and wide
proclaim
The Blessed Virgin's spot-
less fame.
OLADY ! make speed
to befriend me.
R. From the hands of
the enemy mightily de-
fend me.
V. Glory be to the
Father, etc. Allelulia.
From Septuagesima to Easter, instead of Alleluia
is said ;
Laus tibi, Domine, Rex Praise be to Thee, O
asternae gloriae. Lord, King of everlasting
glory.
HYMN
ALVE, mundi do-
mina,
Coelorum regina :
Salve, virgo virginum,
Stella matutina.
Salve plena gratia,
Clara luce divina :
Mundi in auxilium,
Domina, festina.
AIL, Queen of the
► heavens !
Hail, Mistress of earth !
Hail, Virgin most pure
Of immaculate birth !
Clear Star of the morning
In beauty enshrined !
O Lady ! make speed
To the help of mankind.
Various Devotions
711
Ab aeterno Dominus
Te praeordinavit
Matrem unigeniti
Verbi, quo creavit
Terrain, pontum, aethera :
Te pulchram ornavit
Sibi sponsam, quae
In Adam non peccavit.
Amen.
V. Elegit eam Deus, et
praeelegit eam.
R. In tabernaculo suo
habitare fecit eam.
V. Domina, protege
orationem meam.
R. Et clamor mens ad
te veniat.
Thee God in the depth
Of eternity chose ;
And formed thee all fair,
As His glorious spouse ;
And called thee His Word's
Own Mother to be,
By Whom He created
The earth, sky, and sea.
Amen.
V. God elected her,
and pre-elected her.
R. He made her to
dwell in His tabernacle.
V, O Lady ! aid my
prayer.
R. And let my cry
come unto thee.
Oremus
ANCTA Maria, regina
ccelorum, mater Do-
mini nostri Jesu Christi, et
mundi domina, quai nul-
lum derelinquis, et nullum
despicis : respice me, do-
mina, clementer oculo pie-
tatis, et impetra mihi apud
tuum dilectum Filium
cunctorum veniam pec-
catorum : ut qui nunc tuam
sanctam et immaculatam
conceptionem devoto af-
fectu recolo, aeternae in
futurum beatitudinis, bra-
Let us pray
OLY Mary, Queen of
heaven, ^Mother of
Our Lord Jesus Christ,
and Ali stress of the world,
who forsakest no one, and
despisest no one, look
upon me, 0 Lady ! with
an eye of pity, and en-
treat for me, of thy be-
loved Son, the forgiveness
of all my sins ; that, as I
now celebrate, with de-
vout affection, thy holy
and immaculate concep-
tion, so, hereafter, I may
6
712
Various Devotions
vium capiam, ipso, quern
virgo peperisti, donante
Domino nostro Jesu
Christo : qui cum Patre
et Sancto Spiritu vivit et
regnat, in Trinitate per-
fecta, Deus, in saeeula sae-
culorum.
Amen.
receive the prize of eter-
nal blessedness, by the
grace of Him Whom thou,
in virginity, didst bring
forth, Jesus Christ our
Lord: Who, with the
Father and the Holy
Ghost, liveth and reigneth
in perfect Trinity, God,
world without end.
Amen.
V. Domina, protege
orationem meam.
R. Et clamor mens ad
te veniat.
V. Benedicamus Do-
mino.
R. Deo gratias.
V. Fidelium animae per
misericordiam Dei requi-
escant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. 0 Lady ! aid my
prayer.
R. And let my cry
come unto thee.
V. Let us bless the
Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
in adjuto-
meum in-
^I^OMINA,
JLJ rium
tende.
R. Me de manu hos-
tium potenter defende.
V. Gloria Patri, etc.
Allelulia.
o
LADY ! make speed to
befriend me.
R, From the hands of
the enemy mightily de-
fend me.
V. Glory be to the
Father, etc. Alleluia.
Various Devotions
713
HYMN
SALVE, virgo sapiens,
Domus Deo dicata,
Columna septemplici,
Mensaque exornata,
Ab omni contagio
Mundi praeservata :
Semper sancta in utero
Matris, ex qua nata.
Tu mater viventium,
Et porta es sanctorum :
Nova Stella Jacob,
Domina angelorum.
Zabulo terribilis
Acies castrorum;
Porta et refugium
Sis christianorum.
Amen.
AIL, Virgin most wise.
Hail, Deity's shrine!
With seven fairy pillars.
And table divine !
Preserved from the guilt
Which hath come on us all ;
Exempt, in the womb,
From the taint of the fall !
O new Star of Jacob,
Of angels the Queen !
0 Gate of the saints !
0 Mother of men !
To Zabulon fearful
As th' embattled array !
Be thou of the faithful
The refuge and stay.
Amen.
F. Ipse creavit illam V. The Lord Himself
in Spiritu Sancto. created her in the Holy
Ghost.
R. Et effudit illam R. And poured her out
super omnia opera sua ; over all His works.
V. Domina, protege, V. O Lady, aid, etc.
etc. {cum oratione ut (with the prayer as above),
supra) .
'Et fierce
V. Domina, in adju- V, 0 Lady, make speed,
torium, etc. etc.
714
Various Devotions
HYMN
ALVE, area foederis,
Thronus Salomonis,
Arcus pulcher aetheris,
Rubus visionis :
Virga frondens germinis :
V ellus Gedeonis :
Porta clausa numinis,
Favusque Samsonis.
Decebat tarn nobilem
Natum praecavere
Ab originali
Labe matris Evae,
Almam, quam elegerat,
Genitricem vere,
Nulli prorsus sinens
Culpae subjacere.
Amen.
^ AIL, Solomon's
Throne !
Pure Ark of the law,
Fair Rainbow and Bush,
Which the patriarch saw !
Hail, Gedeon's Fleece !
Hail, blossoming rod 1
Samson's sweet Honey-
comb !
Portal of God !
Well-fitting it was
That a Son so divine
Should preserve from all
touch
Of original sin,
Nor suffer b}^ smallest
Defect to be stained
That Mother, whom He
For Himself had ordained.
Amen.
V. Ego in altissimis V. I dwell in the high-
habito.
R. Et thronus mens in
columna nubis.
V. Domina, protege,
etc. {cum oratione ut
supra) .
Sitxi
V. Domina, in adju- V. 0 Lady, make speed,
torium, etc. etc.
est
R, And my throne is on
the pillar of the clouds.
V. O Lady, aid, etc.
{with the prayer as above).
Various Devotions
715
[alve, Virgo puerpera,
Templum Trinitatis,
Angelorum gaudium,
Cella puritatis :
Solamen moerentium,
Hortus voluptatis :
Palma patientiae,
Cedrus castitatis.
Terra es benedicta
Et sacerdotalis,
Sancta et immunis
Culpae originalis.
Civitas altissimi,
Porta orientalis :
In te est omnis gratia,
Virgo singularis.
Amen.
V. Sicut lilium inter
spinas.
R. Sic arnica mea inter
filias Adae.
V. Domina, protege,
etc. {cum oratione ut su-
pra).
KAIL, virginal Mother !
Hail, purity's Cell !
Fair Shrine, where the
Trinity
Loveth to dwell !
Hail, Garden of pleasure !
Celestial Balm !
Cedar of chastity !
Martyrdom's Palm !
Thou Land set apart
From uses profane !
And free from the curse
Which in Adam began.
Thou City of God !
Thou gate of the East,
In thee is all grace,
O joy of the blest !
Amen.
V. As the lily among
the thorns.
R. So is my beloved
among the daughters of
Adam.
V. O Lady, aid, etc.
{with the prayer as above).
m None
F. Domina, in adju- V. 0 Lady, make speed,
torium, etc. etc.
7i6
Various Devotions
HYMN
^Talve, urbs refugii,
^5 Turrisque munita
David, propugnaculis
Armisque in signita.
In conceptione
Charitate ignita,
Draconis potestas
Est a te contrita.
O mulier fortis,
Et invicta Judith !
Pulchra Abisag virgo
Verum f ovens David !
Rachel curatorem
iEgypti gestavit :
Salvatorem mundi
Maria portavit.
Amen.
AIL, City of refuge !
Hail, David's high
tower.
With battlements crowned
And girded with power !
Filled at thy conception
With love and with light I
The dragon by thee
Was shorn of his might.
O Woman most valiant ! .
0 Judith thrice blest ! :
As David was nursed ■<
In fair Abisag's breast ;
As the saviour of Egypt
Upon Rachel's knee :
So the world's great Re-
deemer
Was cherished by thee.
Amen.
V. Tota pulchra es, F. Thou art all fair,
arnica mea. my beloved.
R. Et macula originalis R. And the original
numquam fuit in te. stain was never in thee.
V. Domina, protege, V. O Lady, aid, etc.
etc. (cum oratione ut {with the prayer as above),
supra) .
V. Domina, in adju- V. 0 Lady , make speed,
torium, etc. etc.
Various Devotions
717
HYMN
ALVE, horologium,
Quo, retrogadiatur
Sol in decern lineis ;
Verbum incarnatur.
Homo ut ab inferis
Ad summa attollatur,
Immensus ab angelis
Paulo minoratur.
Solis hujus radiis
Maria coruscat;
Consurgens aurora
In conceptu micat.
AIL, Dial of Achaz !
On thee the true sun
Told backward the course
WTiich from old he had
run !
And, that man might be
raised.
Submitting to shame,
A little more low
Than the angels became.
Thou, rapt in the blaze
Of His infinite light,
Dost shine as the morn
On the confines of night ;
Lilium inter spinas, As the moon on the lost
Quae serpentis conterat Through obscurity dawns ;
Caput : pulchra ut luna The serpent's destroyer !
Errantes colustrat. A lily 'mid thorns I
Amen. Amen.
V. Ego feci in coelis, ut V. I made an unfailing
oriretur lumen indeficiens. light to arise in heaven.
R. Et quasi nebula texi R. And as amist lover-
omnem terram. spread the whole earth.
V. Domina, protege, V. O Lady, aid, etc.
etc. (cum oratione ut {with the prayer as above),
supra) .
%i Compltne
a ON VERT AT nos, (T^^^ Jcsus Christ,
Domina, tuis A^-s thy Son, reconciled
precibus placatus Jesus by thy prayers, O Lady !
Christus Filius tuus. convert our hearts.
Various Devotions
718
R. Et avertat iram su-
am a nobis.
V. Domina, in adju-
torium meum intende.
R. Me de manu hos-
tium potenter defende.
F. Gloria Patri, etc.
R. And turn away His
anger from us.
V. O Lady ! make
speed to befriend us.
R. From the hands of
the enemy mightily de-
fend me.
F. Glory be to the
Father, etc.
HYMN
j^ALVE, virgo florens,
Mater illibata,
Regina clementiae,
Stellis coronata.
Super omnes angelos
Pura, immaculata,
Atque ad regis dexteram
Stans veste deaurata.
Per te, mater gratiae,
Dulcis spes reorum,
Fulgens stella maris,
Portus naufragorum.
Patens coeli janua
Salus infirmorum
Videamus regem
In aula sanctorum.
Amen.
AIL, Mother most
pure !
Hail, Virgin renowned !
Hail, Queen with the stars,
As a diadem, crowned.
Above all the angels
In glory untold,
Standing next to the King
In a vesture of gold.
O Mother of mercy !
O Star of the wave !
O Hope of the guilty !
O Light of the grave !
Through thee may we
come
To the haven of rest ;
And see heaven's King
In the courts of the blest !
Amen.
Various Devotions
719
OLEUM effusum,
Maria, no men
tuum.
R. Servi tui dilexerunt
te nimis.
V. Domina, protege,
etc. {cum oratione ut
supra) .
HY name, O
a r y ! is as
oil poured out.
R. Thy servants have
loved thee exceedingly.
V. O Lady, aid, etc.
{with the prayers and ver-
sides as above).
Z\}t Commtntiation
SUPPLICES offerimus ^^T^hese praises and
prayers
Tibi, \drgo pia, I lay at thy feet,
Haec laudum praeconia : O Mrgin of virgins !
Fac nos ut in via O ]Mary most sweet !
Ducas cursu prospero ;
Et in agonia
Tu nobis assiste,
O dulcis jMaria.
R. Deo gratias.
Ant. Haec est virga in
qua nec nodus originalis,
nec cortex actualis culpae
fuit.
V. In conceptione tua
virgo immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Pa-
trem, cujus Filium pe-
peristi.
Be thou my true guide
Through this pilgrimage
here ;
And stand by my side
When death draweth
near.
R. Thanks be to
God.
Ant. This is the rod in
which was neither knot of
original sin, nor rind of
actual guilt.
V. In thy conception,
O Virgin ! thou wast im-
maculate,
R. Pray for us to the
Father, \\niose Son thou
did^t bring forth,
720
Various Devotions
Oremus Let us pray
,EUS qui per immacu- God, Who, by the im-
latam Virginis con- maculate Conception
ceptionem dignum FiUo of the Virgin, didst pre
tuo habitaculum praepa- pare a worthy habitation
rasti : quaesumus, ut qui for Thy Son : we beseech
ex morte ejusdem FiHi tui Thee, that, as in view of
prsevisa earn ab omni labe the death of that Son,
praeservasti, nos quoque Thou didst preserve her
mundos ejus intercessione from all stain of sin, so
ad te pervenire concedas. Thou wouldst enable us.
Per eumdem Christum being made pure by her
Dominum nostrum. intercession, to come unto
Thee. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Amen. R, Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius IX,
March 31, 1876.
f:fje I^ijirtjj IBags' Prager to tije 33lesseti Utrgtn ilHarg
Commemorative oj the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
It is particularly recommended as a proper devotion
for every day in Lent, and on all Fridays throughout
the year.
6VER glorious and blessed Virgin, Queen of vir-
gins. Mother of mercy, hope and comfort of
dejected souls, through that sword of sorrow which
pierced thy tender heart, whilst thine only Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord, suffered death and ignominy
on the cross ; through that filial tenderness and pure
love He had for thee, grieving in thy grief, whilst
Various Devotions
721
from His cross He recommended thee to the care and
protection of His beloved disciple, St. John; take
pity, we beseech thee, on our poverty and necessi-
ties ; have compassion on our anxieties ; assist and
comfort us in all our infirmities and miseries. Thou
art the Mother of mercies, the sweet consolatrix and
refuge of the desolate and afHicted : look, therefore,
with pity on us, miserable children of Eve, and hear
our prayer : for since, in just punishment of our sins,
we are encompassed by evils, whither can wx fly for
more secure shelter than to thy maternal protection ?
Attend, therefore, with an ear of pity, we beseech thee,
to our humble and earnest request. We ask it through
the mercy of Jesus Christ, thy Son, the Redeemer
of the world. We ask it through the anguish of mind
wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Saviour, was
overwhelmed on Mount Olivet, when He besought
His eternal Father to remove from Him, if possible,
the bitter chalice of His future Passion. W'e ask it
through the threefold repetition of His prayer in the
garden, from whence afterwards, with mournful tears,
thou didst accompany Him to the doleful Stations of
His sufferings and death. We ask it through the
welts and sores of His virginal flesh, occasioned by
the cords and whips wherewith He was bound and
scourged when stripped of His seamless garment, for
which His executioners afterwards cast lots. We
ask it through the scoffs and ignominies by which He
was insulted, the false accusations and unjust sentence
by which He was condemned to death, and which
He bore with heavenly patience. We ask it through
His bitter tears and sweat of blood, His silence and
resignation, His sadness and grief of heart. We ask
it through the blood which trickled from His royal
and sacred head, when struck with the scepter of a
722
Various Devotions
reed and pierced with His crown of thorns. We ask
it through the torments He endured, when His hands
and feet were cruelly fastened to the tree of the cross.
We ask it through His vehement thirst and bitter
potion of vinegar and gall. We ask it through His
dereliction on the cross, when He exclaimed: ''My
God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" We
ask it through His mercy extended to the good thief,
and through His recommending His precious soul
into the hands of His eternal Father before He ex-
pired, saying: ''All is consummated." We ask it
through the blood mixed with water which issued
from His sacred side when pierced with a lance, and
whence a flood of grace and mercy hath flowed upon us.
We ask it through His immaculate life, bitter Passion,
and ignominious death upon the cross, at which nature
itself was thrown into convulsions, by the bursting
of rocks, rending of the veil of the Temple, the earth-
quake, and darkness of the sun and moon. We ask
it through His descent into hell, w^here He comforted
the saints of the Old Law, and led captivity captive.
We ask it through His glorious victory over death.
His triumphant ascension into heaven, and through
the grace of the Holy Ghost, infused into the hearts
of the disciples when He descended on them in the
form of fiery tongues. We ask it through His awful
appearance on the Last Day, when He shall come to
judge the living and the dead. We ask it through
the compassion He bore thee, and the ineffable joy
thou didst feel at thine assumption into heaven,
where thou art absorbed in the sweet contemplation
of His divine perfections. O glorious and ever
blessed Virgin, comfort the hearts of thy supplicants,
by obtaining for us — And as we are persuaded
1 Here mention your request.
Various Devotions
723
that our divine Saviour honors thee as His beloved
Mother, to whom He can refuse nothing, so let us
experience the efficacy of thy powerful intercession,
according to the tenderness of thy maternal affection,
and the charity of His amiable Heart, which merci-
fully granteth the requests, and complieth with the
desires of those who love and fear Him. O most
Blessed Virgin ! besides the object of our present
petition, and whatever else we may stand in need of,
obtain for us of thy dear Son, our Lord and our God,
lively faith, firm hope, perfect charity, true contrition,
a horror of sin, love of God and our neighbor, con-
tempt of the world, and patience and resignation
under the trials and difficulties of this life. Obtain
for us, O sacred Mother of God ! the gift of final
perseverance, and the grace to receive the last sacra-
ments worthily at the hour of death. Lastly, obtain,
we beseech thee, for our parents, our relatives, and
our benefactors, whether living or dead, life ever-
lasting. Amen.
/Ilbontb of /Hba^ Devotions
Indulgence of 300 days for each day, to all who shall
honor the Blessed Virgin, during the month of May
(in pubHc or in private), with prayer or other devo-
tion.
Plenary indulgence once in the month (or on one of
the first eight days of June), to all who keep up this
devotion every day during the month. Conditions :
confession, communion, and prayer according to
the Pope's intention. — ■ Pius VII, June 18, 1822.
724
Various Devotions
^Irager for ti^e fHontlj of HHag
MOST august and blessed Virgin Mary!
holy Mother of God! glorious Queen of
heaven and earth! powerful protectress of
those who love thee, and unfailing advocate
of all who invoke thee! look down, we be-
seech thee, from thy throne of glory on thy
devoted children; accept the solemn offering
we present thee of this month, especially ded-
icated to thee, and receive our ardent, humble
desire, that by our fervent love we may
worthily honor thee, who, next to God, art
deserving of all honor. Receive us, O Mother
of mercy, among thy best beloved children ;
extend to us thy maternal tenderness and
solicitude ; obtain for us a place in the Heart
of Jesus and a special share in the gifts of His
grace. Oh. deign, we beseech thee, to rec-
ognize our claims on thy protection, to
watch over our spiritual and temporal in-
terests, as well as those of all who are dear to
us ; to infuse into our souls the spirit of Christ
and to teach us thyself to become meek,
humble, charitable, patient, and submissive
to the will of God.
May our hearts burn with the love of thy
divine Son, and of thee. His blessed Mother,
not for a month alone, but for time and
Various Devotions
725
eternity; may we thirst and labor for the
promotion of His glory and for thy greater
veneration. Receive us, 0 Mary, thou ref-
uge of sinners ; grant us a mother's blessing
and a mother's care, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
i^rager to t\}t fHost i^olg Firgm, fHati}cr of tfje
incarnate Wiox^
OST holy Virgin, Mother of the incarnate Word,
treasure house of grace, and refuge of us
wretched sinners, with lively faith we have recourse
to thy motherly love, and ask of thee the grace of
ever doing God's will and thine. In thy most holy
hands we place our hearts, and of thee we ask health
of body and soul ; and, as we have the sure hope that
thou, our most loving Mother, wilt hear us, we say
to thee with lively faith :
Hail Mary, three times.
Let us pray
'T^efend, we beseech thee, O Lord ! through
the intercession of the blessed Mary, ever virgin.
Thy servants from all infirmity ; and mercifully deign
to guard them, prostrate in the sincerity of their
hearts before thee, against the snares of the enemy.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XII,
Aug. II, 1824.
726
Various Devotions
lEjaculatian to tlje iWlotljer of ilHercg
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of mercy, pray
for us and for the departed.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 15, 1883.
Pragcr to fHarg, '^duQt of dinners, for a (Soon ■
IB^atfj
OMARY, conceived without stain, pray for us
who fly to thee. Refuge of sinners, Mother of
those who are in their agony, leave us not in the hour
of our death, but obtain for us perfect sorrow, sincere [
contrition, remission of our sins, a worthy reception '
of the most holy Viaticum, the strengthening of the
Sacrament of Extreme Unction, so that we may be
able to stand with safety before the throne of the just
but merciful Judge, our God and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
March 11, 1856.
!£le\j£n Nobenas in f§onor of dBnx HaKg ^
At any time of the year, with any form of prayer \
approved by competent ecclesiastical authority. '
In honor of (i) the Immaculate Conception ; (2) '
the Nativity B. V. M. ; (3) the Presentation B. V. M. ; '
(4) the Annunciation B. V. M. ; (5) the Visitation '
B. V. M. ; (6) the Sacred Delivery of Mary and Birth
of Jesus; (7) the Purification B. V. M ; (8) the Seven
Various Devotions
727
Dolors B. V. M. ; (9) the Assumption B. V. M. ;
(10) the Sacred Heart of ^lary and her Patronage ;
and (11) for the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary.
Indulgence of 300 days, each day ; plenary indul-
gence once during the Novena, on the usual conditions,
viz., Confession, Communion, and Prayer according
to the Pope's intention. — Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
Kotena in ?gonor of t\)z i3Irssrti Ftrgtn for ang JFesttbal
anti for ^^ns ^prcial Occasion
Note. — For the Eleven Xovenas mentioned above,
as well as for any Novena in honor of Our Lady, the
following prayer may be used in connection with
other prayers that are found in this book according
to each one's pleasure or particular devotion, such as
1. The Litany of Loretto ;
2. An Act of Consecration ;
3. The Memorare ;
4. The Prayer of St. Alphonsus ;
5. The Prayer of St. Aloysius ;
6. The Prayer for a Good Death ;
7. The Three Offerings, etc. ;
8. Ejaculations to Our Lady.
One of the best prayers, for daily recitation, in the
course of a novena, is, of course. The Rosary.
OMARY, ever blessed Virgin, Mother of God,
Queen of the angels and the saints, I salute thee
with the most profound veneration and filial devotion.
I renew the consecration of myself and all I have to
thee. I thank thee for the many blessings that I
have received through thy merciful protection and
most powerful intercession. In aU my necessities I
728
Various Devotions
have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence.
0 Help of Christians, O Mother of mercy, I beseech
thee now to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me
of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this
novena.
Obtain for me^ also, dearest Mother, the grace that
1 may imitate thee and become more like to thee in
the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience,
purity, poverty, submission to the will of God, and
charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide
me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in
the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of
my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee
enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in
heaven. Amen.
lEjaculattons
Virgin Mother of God, Mary, pray to Jesus for me.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 29, 1894.
Holy Virgin, Mary immaculate. Mother of God and
our Mother, speak thou for us to the Heart of Jesus,
Who is thy Son, and our brother.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 20, 1890.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884. I
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Various Devctions
729
IPragcr to (Bux ilatig of ilaurtifs
OEVER immaculate Mrgin, ]Mother of mercy,
health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of
the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my
sufferings ; deign to cast upon me a look of mercy.
By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were
pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you
dispense your favors, and already many sufferers have
obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual
and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded
confidence, to implore your maternal intercession.
Obtain, O lo\dng ^lother, the grant of my requests.
I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may
one day share your glory, and bless you in eternity.
Amen.
i^Eparatton for 131a5pl}rms against ^ur ilatig
OMARY, bless this house, where thy name is ever
held in benediction. All glory to Mary ever
immaculate, ever Mrgin, blessed among women, the
Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Queen of paradise.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
March 21, 1905.
IBtHitztim to (Bnx ilatrg
Bv St. AI OX'S ins
|OST HOLY MARY, my Lady, into thy blessed
■» trust and special custody, and into the bosom
of thy mercy I this day, every day, and in the hour of
my death, commend my soul and my body : to thee
730
Various Devotions
I commit all my anxieties and miseries, my life and
the end of my life, that by thy most holy intercession
and by thy merits all my actions may be directed and
disposed according to thy will and that of thy Son.
Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
^aspiration
ODOMiNA mea ! O /T\y Lady and my
Mater mea ! me- Mother, remember
mento me esse tuum. I am thine ; protect and
Serva me, defende me, ut defend me as thy prop-
remet possessionem tuam. erty and possession.
Indulgence of 40 da3^s, every time, when tempted.
— Pius IX, Aug. 5, 185 1.
Wi^xtt CnbocatiottS, i»it!j tfje J§atl IHarg Efjrice
VIRGO ante partum, /5I[hou who wast a Vir-
ora pro nobis. Ave \3 gin before thy de-
Maria, livery, pray for us. Hail
Mary.
Virgo in partu, ora pro Thou who wast a Vir-
nobis. Ave Maria. gin in thy delivery, pray
for us. Hail Mary.
Virgo post partum, ora Thou who wast a Virgin
pro nobis. Ave Maria. after thy delivery, pray
for us. Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day — Leo XIII,
May 20, 1893.
Various Devotions
731
lEjaculattons to t])t Firgm fHotljer of ^otr
Mary, Virgin Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 29, 1891.
Mother of love, of sorrow, and of mercy, pray for
us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — ■ Pius X,
May 30, 1908.
iltous Extxcm in |§onor of (But ilatig 53olors
Say the Hail Mary seven times, and after each
Hail Mary:
Holy Mother, pierce me through;
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Saviour crucified.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
June 18, 1876.
Z\)t HHontij of ^eptetnijer
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a brief, April 3,1857,
and by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov.
26, 1876, and Leo XIII, by a rescript of the same S.
Congr., Jan, 27, 1888, granted to all the faithful who,
with at least contrite heart and devotion, shall practice
this devout exercise in honor of the Blessed Virgin of
sorrows, an indulgence of 300 days, every day of the
month; a plenary indulgence once in this month, or,
according to the estabhshed rule, on one of the first
eight days of October, with the usual conditions —
732
V arious Devotions
confession, communion, and prayer for the intentions
of the Sovereign Pontiff.
^ IBmi to 3Lat(2 of ^orrotos
PRAYER BEFORE HER ALTAR OR IMAGE
OLY MARY, Mother of sorrows, whose heart
was pierced with a fresh sword of grief at every
station on the way of the Cross, obtain for us, we be-
seech thee, O most loving Mother, a perpetual re-
membrance of our blessed Saviour's cross and death,
and a true and tender devotion to all the mysteries
of His most holy Passion ; obtain for us the grace to
hate sin, even as He hated it in the agony of the Gar-
den; to endure wrong and insult with all patience,
as He endured them in the judgment-hall ; to be meek
and humble in all our trials, as He was before His
judges ; to love our enemies even as He loved His
executioners, and prayed for them upon the cross;
and to glorify God and do good to our neighbors, even
as He did in every mystery of His sufferings. O
Queen of martyrs, who, by the dolors of thy immacu-
late heart on Calvary, didst merit to share the Passion
of our blessed Redeemer, obtain for us some portion
of thy compassion, that for the love of Jesus crucified,
we may be crucified to the world in this life ; and in
the life to come, may, by His infinite merits and thy
powerful intercession, reign with Him in glory ever-
lasting. Amen.
iPrager tn ?§onor of i\)t ^orrobis anH Sop of iffiCarg
OMOST holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul a
sword of grief went through in the Passion of
thy Divine Son, and who in His glorious resurrection
Various Devotions
733
wast filled with unending joy at His triumph ; inter-
cede for us thy suppHants, that we may become so
truly partakers in the adversities of the Church and
the trials of the Supreme Pontiff, that we may deserve
to share in the consolations they desire, in the charity
and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Pius X,
Feb. 3, 1906.
Seijen <Suntiags in |§onor of Ilje Immaculate (Conception
Indulgence of 7 years, on each of any 7 consecutive
Sundays, once a year; plenary indulgence on the
seventh Sunday. Conditions : Confession, commu-
nion, visit to a church, and prayer according to the
Pope's intention. — Leo XIII, July 23, 1898.
N. B. To gain this indulgence recite some prayers
in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
^ntipljon, Fcrstclc, anti Pragcr in l^onor of tfjc Immaculate
(Conception
Ant. Haec est virga in Ant. This is the rod in
qua nec nodus originaHs, which was neither knot
nec cortex actualis culpae of original sin nor rind
fuit. of actual guilt.
V. In conceptione tua, V. In thy conception,
Virgo, immaculata fuisti. O Virgin, thou wast im-
maculate.
R. Ora pro nobis Pa- R. Pray for us to the
trem, cujus Filium pe- Father, whose Son thou
peristi. didst bring forth.
734
Various Devotions
Oremus Let us pray
^tTXeus qui per immacu- God, Who, by the
rL' latam Virginis con- immaculate concep-
ceptionem dignum Filio tion of the Virgin, didst
tuo habitaculum praepa- prepare a worthy habita-
rasti : quaesumus, ut qui tion for Thy Son : we
ex morte ejusdem FiKi beseech Thee that, as in
tui praevisa eam ab omni view of the death of that
labe praeservasti, nos quo- Son Thou didst preserve
que mundos ejus interces- her from all stain of sin,
sione ad te pervenire con- so Thou wouldst enable
cedas. Per eumdem us, being made pure by
Christum Dominum nos- her intercession, to come
trum. unto Thee. Through the
same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, every time. — Pius IX,
March 31, 1876.
lEjamlatton
IN conceptione tua, ^tTn thy conception, O
Virgo Maria, immacu- A Virgin Mary, thou
lata fuisti ; ora pro nobis wast immaculate ; pray
Patrem, cujus Filium Je- for us to the Father, whose
sum de Spiritu Sancto Son, Jesus Christ, con-
conceptum peperisti. ceived of the Holy Ghost,
thou didst bring forth.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius VI,
Nov. 21, 1793.
Various Devotions
735
i^ragrt of ^t. -Slpijansus for l^nxit^
Hail Mary, thrice, and after each :
By thy immaculate conception, 0 Mary, make my
body pure, and my soul holy.
Indulgence, of 300 days, twice a day (morning and
evening). — Pius X, Dec. 5, 1904.
Ejaculations anti Cnborattons in J^onor of
t\}t Hmmaculatc Conaption
To thee, 0 Virgin Mother, who wast never defiled
with, the slightest stain of original or actual sin, I
commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Nov. 26, 1854.
O Mary, who didst enter the world free from stain,
do thou obtain for me from God, that I may pass out of
it free from sin.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
March 27, 1863.
Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of
the most blessed Virgin ]Mary, ^Mother of God.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Leo XIII,
Sept. 10, 1878.
0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1884.
736
Various Devotions
Most holy and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother
of God and our Mother, speak on our behalf to the
Heart of Jesus, Who is thy Son and our Brother.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 20, 1890.
^fje fHagnifi'cat
ffiAGNIFICAT : anima y soul doth mag-
mea Dominum. nify the Lord.
Et exultavit spiritus And my spirit hath
mens in Deo salutari meo. rejoiced in God my
Saviour.
Quia respexit humilita- For He hath regarded
tem ancillae suae: ecce the humiHty of his
enim ex hoc beatam me handmaid : for behold
dicent omnes generatio- from henceforth all gen-
nes. erations shall call me
blessed.
Quia fecit mihi magna For He that is mighty
qui potens est : et sane- hath done great things
tum nomen ejus. unto me, and holy is His
name.
Et misericordia ejus a And His mercy is from
progenie in progenies : generation to generation :
timentibus eum. unto them that fear Him.
Fecit potentiam in bra- He hath shown
chio suo : dispersit super- strength with his arm :
bos mente cordis sui. He hath scattered the
proud in the conceit of
their heart.
Deposuit potentes de He hath put down the
sede : et exaltavit humiles. mighty from their seat,
and hath exalted the
humble.
Various Devotions
737
Esurientes implevit bo-
nis : et divites dimisit
inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum
suum : recordatus miseri-
cordiae suae.
Sicut locutus est ad pa-
tres nostres : Abraham,
et semini ejus in saecula.
Gloria Patri, etc.
He hath filled the hun-
gry with good things,
and the rich He hath
sent empty away.
He hath upholden His
servant Israel : being
mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke unto our
fathers : to Abraham and
to his seed forever. Glory
be to the Father, etc.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day; 7 years and
7 quarantines, once on Saturdays. — Leo XIII, Sept.
20, 1879; Feb. 22, 1888.
iPrager to 0ux ILatig, of Cljristtans
ARY, immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and
our Mother, thou seest how the Catholic Faith,
in which we propose by the help of God to live and
die, and so attain to eternal glory, is everywhere as-
sailed by the devil and the world. Do thou, Help of
Christians, renew thy victories as of old, for the sal-
vation of thy children. To thee we entrust our firm
purpose of never joining assemblies of heretics or
sectaries. Do thou, all holy, offer to thy divine Son
our resolutions, and obtain from Him the graces nec-
essary to enable us to remain steadfast in them to the
end. Bring consolation to the visible head of the
Church ; support the Catholic episcopate ; protect
the clergy and the people who proclaim thee Queen ;
hasten by the power of thy prayers the day when all
nations shall be gathered together around the Supreme
Pastor. Amen.
738
Various Devotions
Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Dec. 20, 1890.
INVOCATION TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER TO BE SAID
MORNING AND EVENING
My Mother, preserve me this day from
mortal sin.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 8, 1900.
EJACULATION
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius
Nov. 9, 1907.
EORD Jesus Christ, our King and our God,
truly present in the adorable Eucharist :
grant, v^e beseech Thee, that, in venerating
this sublime mystery of Thy body and blood,
we may remember the immaculate Virgin
Mary, in v^hom Thou didst v^ill to be con-
ceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost ;
grant also that we may imitate the worship
she herself, while on earth, rendered to this
most holy sacrament, in order that we
Various Devotions
739
may see Thy eucharistic kingdom propa-
gated all over the world. Who livest and
reignest world without end. Amen.
1. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacra-
ment, pray for us !
Indulgence of 300 days to those who recite
this invocation before the Blessed Sacrament exposed.
— Pius X, Dec. 30, 1905.
2. O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most
Blessed Sacrament, who art the glory of
Christians, the joy of the universal Church,
and the hope of the world, pray for us ! Stir
up in all the faithful devotion to the Most
Holy Eucharist, that they may render them-
selves worthy to communicate every day.
Indulgence of 300 days each time. — Pius X,
Dec. 9, 1906.
3. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore,
thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred
and beloved eucharistic Heart of Jesus !
Indulgence of 200 days for each recital. — Pius X,
Dec. 19, 1904.
740
Various Devotions
i^toxis lExtxdst on JFrtUap
Indulgence of loo days, to all who when the church
bell rings on Friday at three in the afternoon, or at
any other hour fixed by custom, kneel and say five
times Our Father and Hail Mary, in memory of the
Passion of Our Lord, praying according to the inten-
tion of the Pope. — Benedict XIV, Dec. 13, 1740;
Leo XIII, May 15, 1886.
iSeiJotion to (Bnx ILatig of tfje lIHost BlesscH .Sacrament^
E invoke the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of
Jesus, and our tender Mother, under the title
of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, because j
she is the Mother of the Saviour, Who lives in the [
Eucharist, and because it is from her that he takes the
flesh and blood with which He nourishes us; because,
moreover, she is the sovereign dispenser of all grace, and
consequently of those graces contained in the august
Sacrament; and, finally, because she was the first to
practise the duties of the eucharistic life, showing us
by her example how to assist becomingly at the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass, how to communicate worthily,
and to visit the Most Blessed Sacrament frequently
and with piety.
The Cardinal- Vicar has graciously granted leave to
the Sons of the Venerable Pere Eym^ard — the Fathers
of the Blessed Sacrament — to erect in their church of
San Claudio, Rome, a chapel and an altar in honor
of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and to have
her picture publicly exposed to the veneration of the
faithful. May this example be followed in America ;
^ From Emmanuel, May, 1910.
Various Devotions
741
let us hope that ere long many new altars and shrines
shall be dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Blessed
Sacrament.
i^ragrr to ^ur 3Latig of tl)£ fHost 33less£ti ^arrament
ij MARY, sweet Mother of Jesus and our
' own tender mother, we love to call
you Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
because you were the first tabernacle of the
Most High and the first adorer of Our Lord
and Saviour. You have, indeed, given us the
Blessed Eucharist. It was your ^'fiat," your
acquiescence in the Incarnation of the Son
of God — the Divine Word — that began the
* great mystery of the union with us which
j Jesus accomplished during His mortal life,
and which He continues in the Holy Eucha-
rist. And after Our Lord's ascension into
heaven, you became the model and mother of
|]i all adorers of Jesus in the Tabernacle by
j adoring and serving Him with loving assidu-
I ity. Pray for us who have recourse to you,
1' that we may love Our Lord in the Holy Eu-
; charist ever more and more with a love like
[\' that which inflamed your own immaculate
Heart, O Mary, so that we may seek in all
things His pleasure and His glory, and may
daily grow more like to Him, and thus be able
742
Various Devotions
to exclaim with the burning heart of the great :
apostle, St. Paul : / live^ yet not but Christ
liveth in me. It is your mission, dear Lady
of the Most Blessed Sacrament, to form Jesus
in His adorers. Dying for love of us. He, in
His agony on the cross, bequeathed you to
us as our mother, and confided us to your
maternal care ; help us, then, to be more
devoted to Him in the sacrament of His love ;
help us to show our love for Him by striving
to draw others to the love of His sacred Heart,
and by our constant efforts to imitate His
meekness, humility, and patience. His pov-
erty, obedience, and purity. His boundless
and all-embracing charity, and, indeed, all
those virtues which He taught us in His mor-
tal life from Bethlehem to Calvary, and of
which He continues to give us an example in
His Eucharistic Hfe upon the Altar. May
His Kingdom be established in the whole
world; may He live and rule in all hearts. *
Blessed and praised every moment be the !
most holy and divine Sacram^ent. Our Lady ,
of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us —
pray that we who now adore and love Jesus
here below under the veil of the sacred spe-
cies, may one day have the joy to behold^
Him in His unveiled beauty in the realms
above, and to sing His praises with the angels
Various Devotions
743
and the saints, and above all with you, dear
Mother, in eternal tabernacles. Amen.
I
When the sun illumes the heaven,
When he sinks into the west.
Dearest Lord, from morn till even
With me ever take Thy rest.
Nought from Thee my soul may sever.
Life nor death may stay our love,
In sweet union living ever — ■
Union which no power can move.
While with life my heart is beating,
Ceaseless hymns of praise I'll pour;
Still I'll sing, in heaven repeating.
Hymns from never failing store :
When, from sight each veil upraising.
All Thy beauty I shall see.
And, with choirs of angels praising,
Love Thee through eternity.
— From a Thanksgiving Hymn after Holy Com-
munion by Father Bridgett, C.SS.R.
2
Mother, we pray false love may lose its lure,
And only love that doth not taint or cloy
May hold us — as the Spotless holds the Pure,
As thou. Immaculate, the Stainless Boy !
— Fr. David Bearne, S.J.
744
Various Devotions
3
Mother, Mary ! to thy keeping
Soul and body we confide,
ToiHng, resting, waking, sleeping.
To be ever at thy side ;
Cares that vex us, joys that please us,
Life and death we trust to thee ;
Thou must make them all for Jesus,
And for all eternity !
— Rev. F. W. Faber, D.D.
2)e\>otion6 in Ibonor of St 5osepb
Nobtna in J^onor ai Josepij, .Spouse of ilHargr
Most |§ols
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX, by a rescript of the
S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 28, 1876, granted to
all the faithful who, with contrite heart, devoutly
make at any time during the year the novena in honor
of St. Joseph, spouse of Mary most holy, with any
formula of pra3^er, provided it be approved by com-
petent ecclesiastical authority, an indulgence of 300
days, once a day ; a plenary indulgence, during the
course of the novena, if, being truly penitent, having
confessed and communicated, they pray for the inten-
tion of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Various Devotions
745
Prager to ^t* Josrpfj for t{je (I^ctoijrr Qrbotions
Ordered by Pope Leo XIII to be said as Part of
the Devotions for the Month of October
/q^o THEE, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse
in our affliction and, after imploring the
help of thy most holy spouse, we confidently
invoke thy patronage also. By that affection
which united thee to the immaculate virgin
Mother of God, and by the fatherly love with
which thou didst embrace the infant Jesus,
look down, we beseech thee, with gracious
eyes on the precious inheritance which Jesus
Christ purchased by His blood, and help us
in our necessities by thy powerful intercession.
Protect, 0 most provident guardian of the
Holy Family, the elect children of Jesus
Christ ; ward off from us, O most loving
father, every contagion of error and corrupt-
ing influence ; be propitious to us from heaven,
0 most powerful protector, in this our struggle
with the powers of darkness ; and as thou didst
once rescue the child Jesus from the greatest
peril to His life, so now defend God's holy
Church from the snares of the enemy and from
all adversity. Finally, shield every one of us
with thy patronage, that, imitating thy ex-
ample and strengthened by thy help, we may
746
Various Devotions
live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain
to everlasting happiness in heaven. Amen.
His Holiness, Leo XIII, in his Encyclical of Aug.
15, 1889, has ordered that after the public recitation
of the Holy Rosary prescribed by him on other occa-
sions for the month of October, the above prayer
should be added, granting for its recitation an indul-
gence of 7 years and 7 quarantines.
Moreover, His Holiness, by a decree of the S. Congr.
of Indulgences, Sept. 21, 1889, has granted to the faith-
ful who shall recite the same prayer at any time of
the year an indulgence of 300 days, once a day.
Note. — When this prayer is not recited after the
Rosary, the words "after imploring the help of thy
most holy Spouse" are omitted.
ANOTHER APPROVED VERSION OF THIS FAVORITE PRAYER
TO ST. JOSEPH AS RECITED IN MANY PARTS OF
THE UNITED STATES IN CONNECTION WITH
THE OCTOBER DEVOTIONS
E come to thee, 0 blessed Joseph, in our
sore distress. Having sought the aid
of thy most blessed spouse, v^e now con-
fidently implore thy assistance also. We
humbly beg that, mindful of the dutiful 1
affection which bound thee to the immaculate
virgin Mother of God, and of the fatherly love
wherewith thou didst cherish the child Jesus,
thou wilt lovingly watch over the heritage
which Jesus Christ purchased with His blood,
and by thy powerful intercession help us in our
Various Devotions
747
urgent need. Most watchful guardian of the
Holy Family, protect the chosen race of Jesus
Christ ; drive far from us, most loving father,
every pest of error and corrupting sin. From
thy place in heaven, most powerful protector,
graciously come to our aid in this conflict with
the powers of darkness, and as of old thou
didst deliver the child Jesus from supreme
peril of life, so now defend the holy Church of
God from the snares of her enemies and from
all adversity. Have each of us always in thy
keeping, that, following thy example, and
borne up by thy strength, we may be able to
live holily, die happily, and so enter the ever-
lasting bliss of heaven. Amen.
EJACULATION
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
• jjl Dec. 19, i8qi.
; , Prayer
li EMEMBER, O most purc spouse of the blessed Vir-
; 1 r-^-^s gin Mary, my sweet protector, St. Joseph ! that no
. j one ever had recourse to thy protection or implored thy
^ ; aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in thy
i goodness, I come before thee, and humbly suppHcate thee.
,p \ Oh, despise not my petitions foster-father of the Redeemer,
J but graciously receive them. Amen.
'l Indulgence of 300 days, once a dav. — Pius IX, June 26,
^'1863.
748 Various Devotions
?3ragns in ?§onor of &t Josepf) for ^Ijose in lL\}cix ^Hgong
6TEENAL Father, by Thy love for St. Joseph, whom
Thou didst select from among all men to represent
Thee upon earth, have mercy on us and on the dying.
Oiir Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Eternal divine Son, by Thy love for St. Joseph, who was
Thy faithful guardian upon earth, have mercy upon us
and upon the dying.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Eternal divine Spirit, by Thy love for St. Joseph, Who
so carefully watched over Alary, Thy beloved spouse, have
mercy on us and on the dying.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, May
17, 1884.
fflarcf) ©ebottongf
INDULGENCES
Three hundred days, each day.
Plenary, on any one day on the usual conditions.
The month may be either that of March, or a month ter-
minating on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19.
Persons legitimately hindered from practising this de-
votion in March may substitute any other month.
The devotion consists of any prayers or other pious prac-
tice in honor of the saint. — Pius IX, April 27, 1865;
July 18, 1877.
i^rager for a Nobena to ^t* Josrplj
{Feast, March 19)
ILLUSTRIOUS saint ! inheritor of the virtues of all
the patriarchs ! Good and faithful guardian of the
Holy Family ! Thou art my glorious protector, and shalt
ever be, after Jesus and Mary, the object of my most pro-
Various Devotions
749
found veneration and tender confidence. Thou art the
most hidden saint and particularly the patron of those who
serve God with the greatest purity of intention and fervor
of devotion. O thou model and guardian of pure souls,
who hast given us so illustrious an example of purity, un-
selfish devotedness to duty, fidelity, humility, patience,
obedience, and trust in divine Providence, be moved with
the confidence I place in thy intercession, and obtain for
me the grace to practise every virtue which will make me
pleasing to God.
I thank God for the signal favors He has bestowed upon
thee, and I beg through thy intercession grace to imitate
thy virtues. In union with all those who have ever been
most devoted to thee, I now dedicate myself to thy service,
beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Who vouch-
safed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father
to me, and to obtain for me the filial respect, confidence, and
love of a child toward thee. O powerful advocate of all
Christians ! whose intercession, as St. Teresa assures us,
has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now,
and to obtain for me the particular object of this novena.
[Specify it.] Present mie, O great saint, to the adorable
Trinity, with Whom thou hadst so glorious and so intimate
a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin
the sacred image according to the hkeness of which I was
created. Beg for me that m.y divine Redeemer may en-
kindle in my heart, and in all hearts, the fire of His love
and infuse therein the virtues of His adorable infancy. His
purity, simplicity, obedience, and humiHty. Obtain for
me hkewise a lively devotion to thy virgin spouse, and
protect me so powerfully in life and death that I may have
the happiness of dying as thou didst, in the friendship of
my Creator, and under the immediate protection of the
Mother of God.
irntiulgrncEti Prager anU ^ct of Cnnsrcratton to &t Sosepfj
O GLORIOUS St. Joseph, chosen by God to be the
reputed father of Jesus, the most pure spouse of
Mary ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family, and
7SO
Various Devotions
then elected by the Vicar of Christ to be the heavenly
Patron and Protector of the Church founded by Jesus
Christ; with the greatest confidence I implore at this
time thy powerful aid for the entire Church militant. Pro-
tect in a special manner with thy truly paternal love the
Supreme Pontiff and all the bishops and priests united to
the See of St. Peter. Defend all those who labor for souls
in the midst of the afflictions and tribulations of this life,
and obtain the willing submission of every nation through-
out the world to the Church, the necessary means of sal-
vation for all.
O dearest St. Joseph, be pleased to accept the consecra-
tion which I make to thee of myself. I dedicate myself
entirely to thee that thou mayest ever be my father, my
protector, and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain
for me great purity of heart and a fervent love of the in-
terior life. Grant that after thy example all my actions
may be directed to the greater glory of God, in union with
the divine Heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of
Mary, and with thee. Finally, pray for me that I may be
able to share in the peace and joy of thy most holy death.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, July
18, 1885.
iPrager to S^U Josepfj for 'Ell ^Ijose OTli}0 ^re IBrbotcti to
Eabor
y^LORious St. Joseph, model of all those who are
\S) devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to
work in a spirit of penance for the expiation of my
many sins ; to w^ork conscientious^, putting the call
of duty above my inclinations; to work wdth grati-
tude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and
develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from.
God ; to work with order, peace, moderation, and
patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or
difficulties ; to work, above all, wdth purity of inten-
Various Devotions 751
tion, and with detachment from self, having always
death before my eyes and the account which I must
render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted,
of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work
of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy ex-
ample, O patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my watch-
word in life and in death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X,
March 15, 1907.
INVOCATION TO ST. JOSEPH
Grant, O holy Joseph, that, ever secure under thy
protection, we may pass our lives without guilt.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 18, 1882.
I
Help us, Joseph, in our earthly strife ;
Ever to lead a pure and blameless life.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Leo XIII, March 18, 1882.
II
T. JOSEPH, foster-father of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
* and true spouse of Mary ever Virgin, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, May
15, 1891.
iPrager to &t JDsep!) in 'Eng &xtat Nccessitg
OMOST faithful guardian of Jesus and spouse of Mary,
thou seest the anguish of my heart. I am disturbed
and perplexed. Obtain for me the light of the Holy Ghost
752'
Various Devotions
and all the helps I need to enable me at all times and in all
things to fulfil the adorable will of God. I choose thee
this day, in the presence of Jesus and Mary, as my angel of
good counsel, to direct me in all my necessities. Guide
me, I entreat thee, by the many bitter dolors which rent
thy tender heart during the course of thy mortal pilgrimage.
Amen.
CntiulscncEti Prager to ^t. 2fos£pl)
UARDiAN of virgins and father, holy Joseph, to
whose faithful care Christ Jesus, Innocence itself,
and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed : I pray and
beg of thee, by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, free
me from all uncleanness, and make me with spotless mind,
pure heart, and chaste body, ever most chastely to serve
Jesus and Mary, all the days of my life.
R. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX, Feb. 4,
1877.
iPrager to ^t, iifosrplj, i^atron of t\)t ^ntbersal Cljurd^
OMOST powerful patriarch, St. Joseph, Patron of that
universal Church which has always invoked thee in
anxieties and tribulations ; from the lofty seat of thy glory
lovingly regard the Catholic world. Let it move thy pa-
ternal heart to see the mystical Spouse of Christ and his
Vicar weakened by sorrow and persecuted by powerful
enemies. We beseech thee, by the most bitter suffering
thou didst experience on earth, to wipe awa}^ in mercy the
tears of the reverend Pontiff, to defend and liberate him,
and to intercede with the Giver of peace and charity, that
every hostile power being overcome and every error being
destroyed, the whole Church may serve the God of all
blessings in perfect liberty : ut destructis adversitatibus
et erroribus universis Ecclesia secura Deo serviat libertate.
Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 4,
1882.
Various Devotions
753
EJACULATION
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec.
19, 1891.
prai^er for Bivinc Direction In tbe Choice of a
State of Xlfe
LMiGHTY God ! Whose wise and amiable provi-
dence watches over every human event, deign to be
my light and my counsel in all my undertakings, particu-
larly in the choice of a state of life. I know that on this
important step my sanctification and salvation may in a
great measure depend. I know that I am incapable of
discerning what may be best for me ; therefore I cast my-
self into Thy arms, beseeching Thee, my God, Who hast
sent me into this world only to love and serve Thee, to
direct by Thy grace every action of my life to the glorious
end of my creation. I renounce most sincerely every other
wish than to fulfil Thy designs on my soul, whatever they
may be; and I beseech Thee to give me the grace to be
imbued with the spirit of Christ and to qualify myself for
any state of life to which Th}^ adorable providence may
call me. O my God ! whenever it may become my duty
to make a choice, do Thou be my light and my counsel,
and mercifully deign to make the way known to me wherein I
should walk, for I have lifted up my soul to Thee. Preserve
me from hstening to the suggestions of self-love, or worldly
prudence, in prejudice to Thy holy inspirations. Let Thy
good Spirit lead me into the right way, and let Thy adorable
providence place me, not where I may naturally feel in-
clined to go, but where all things may be most conducive to
Thy glory and to the good of my soul. Alary, Mother of
Good Counsel, Seat of Wisdom, Help of Christians, pray
for me. Amen.
754
Various Devotions
}|ragers for ^rabelers
The Breviary contains prayers for travelers that have
received the consecration of the Church and of centuries —
the " Itinerary," which priests seldom fail to recite for them-
selves and their companions as often as they begin a jour-
ney. As it may seem rather long for general use, we give
an abridgment for the use of those who may wish to know
and learn it.
AY the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our
journey ; may He make it prosper and maintain us
in peace.
May the Archangel Raphael accompany us along the
way, and may we return to our homes in peace, joy, and
health.
Lord, have mercy on us ! Jesus Christ, have mercy on
us ! Lord, have mercy on us !
Prayer
OGoD, Who didst cause the children of Israel to trav-
erse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who didst point
out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee ;
grant us, we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and pro-
pitious weather ; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy
angels, we may safely reach that journey's end, and later
the haven of eternal salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their
journeys. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower
everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy ; so that,
insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may
return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Those who have a special confidence in St. Joseph may
make use of the following prayer, which solicits also super-
natural graces, and especially that of traveling always in
the way of the commandments, so as ultimately to reach
the celestial terminus.)
Various Devotions
7SS
O BLESSED St. Joseph, who didst accompany Jesus and
Mary in all their journeys, and who hast therefore
merited to be called the patron of all travelers, accompany
us in this journey that we are about to undertake. Be our
guide and our protector ; watch over us ; preserve us from
all accidents and dangers to soul and body ; support us in
our fatigue, and aid us to sanctify it by offering it to God.
Make us ever mindful that we are strangers, sojourners
here below ; that heaven is our true home ; and help us to
persevere on the straight road that leads thereunto. We
beseech thee especially to protect and aid us in the last
great voyage from time to eternity, so that, under thy
guidance, we may reach the realm of happiness and glor}^,
there to repose eternally with thee in the company of
Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Still another prayer for travelers, asking in a special
manner for the protection of the guardian angels, was
composed by the saintly Mgr. Dupanloup. It reads :
O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Who hast com-
missioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, com-
mand them to be our assiduous companions from our setting
out until our return ; to clothe us with their invisible
protection ; to keep from us all danger of collision, of fire,
of explosion, of falls and hurts; and finally, having pre-
served us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us
to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Another not less beautiful prayer runs thus :
Y holy angel guardian, ask the Lord to bless the
journey which I undertake, that it may profit the
health of my soul and body ; that I may reach its end ;
and that, returning safe and sound, I may find all at home
in good health. Do thou guard, guide, and preserve us.
Amen.
The following couplet was a favorite ejaculation of
Columbus :
Jesus cum Maria Jesus and Mary, we pray,
Sit nobis in via. Be with us ever on our way.
756
Various Devotions
One should not fail at least to make the sign of the cross
on beginning a journey. The neglect or performance of
such acts of piety may make all the difference between
having our names figure on the list of " killed and wounded "
in some railway catastrophe, and having them appear as
those of passengers ''saved by a miracle." — Ave Maria
Press.
IPra^ers for tbe Gburcb anD for tbe Qivil
Butboritiee
(Composed by Archbishop Carroll)
E pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God ! Who
through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all
nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy
Church, being spread through the whole world, may con-
tinue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow
with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life,
our chief bishop N.N., the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the government of His Church ; our own bishop, N.N.
(or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect) ; all other
bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church ; and espe-
cially those who are appointed to exercise among us the
functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people
into the ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice i
through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are
enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit
of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States,
that his administration may be conducted in righteousness,
and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he pre-
sides ; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion ;
by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy;
and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of
Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress,
and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for
our rule and government, so that they may tend to the pres-
ervation of peace, the promotion of national happiness,
Various Devotions
757
the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge ;
and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his Excellency, the Governor of this State,
for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates,
and other officers who are appointed to guard our political
w^elfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful pro-
tection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations
with honesty and ability.
We recommend Hkewise to Thy unbounded mercy all
our brethren and fellow-citizens throughout the United
States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and
sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that
they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which
the world can not give ; and after enjoying the blessings
of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember
the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us
with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace ; the
souls of our parents, relatives, and friends ; of those who,
when living, were members of this congregation, and par-
ticularly of such as are lately deceased ; of all benefactors
who, by their donations or legacies to this church, wit-
nessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and
proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remem-
brance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ,
grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and
everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord
and Saviour. Amen.
temperance pledge
OGoD, my Father, to show my love for Thee, to make
reparation to Thy wounded honor, to obtain the
salvation of souls, I firmly resolve not to take wine, alco-
holic liquor, or any intoxicating drink this day.
I offer Thee this act of mortification in union with the
sacrifice of Thy Son Jesus Christ, Who daily offers Himself
a victim on the altar for Thy greater glory. Amen.
Indulgence of loo days. — Pius X, March 29, 1904.
7S8
Various Devotions
^xR^tx for tJje <Soijereifin i^ontiff
V. Oremus pro Pontifice V. Let us pray for our
nostro, N. Pontiff, N.
R. Dominus conservet R. The Lord preserve
eum, et vivificet eum, et him and give him Hfe,
beatum faciat eum in and make him blessed
terra, et non tradat eum upon earth, and dehver
in animam inimicorum him not up to the will
ejus. of his enemies.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Nov.
26, 1876.
^ ?3lenars Cntiulgcnce at tfjfe f^our of IBeatfj
Take this Version
OLoRD my God, I now, at this moment, readily and
willingly accept at thy hand whatever kind of death
it may please Thee to send me, with all its pains, penalties,
and sorrows.
By a decree of the Congregation of Indulgences of March
9, 1904, His Holiness, Pope Pius X, has granted a plenary
indulgence at the moment of death to all the faithful who,
on any day they may choose, will receive the Sacraments of
Penance and Holy Eucharist and make the above act for
the love of God.
EJACULATIONS FOR A HAPPY DEATH
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my
soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time; 100 days for say-
ing one of the ejaculations. — Pius VII, April 28, 1807.
Various Devotions
759
^ IBx^^tx for Certain ^ffltcteti l^ersons
O Jesus ! by that wound which Thou didst suffer in Thy
shoulder from the carriage of Thy cross, have mercy,
I entreat Thee, on those who have a hfe-long cross to bear,
as also upon such as have secret sorrows which only Thou
canst know. May the memory of Thy painful cross-
bearing give them strength to carry theirs with courage
and fidehty to the end, and may the thought of that secret
suffering Thou didst endure, teach them to sanctify their
hidden sorrows that they may be fruitful for Thy glory.
Amen. — From The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
img mint 5fjall not ilabor in Fain
It is said — (it is God Who has spoken) :
"His elect shall not labor in vain ^
Though sorrow on earth be their portion
Their "fruit shall forever remain." ^
By sorrow and dire contradiction,
God would life to mankind impart,
And His last sad plaint w^hen dying
Was the cry of a broken Heart.
There is strength in each toil and struggle —
In the brave heart's inward strife, —
In the chill of seeming failure, —
For these are the seeds of life.
Each heart-ache endured for Jesus
Has gone up and told its tale,
And though upon earth deemed fruitless,
With Him — shall it not prevail ?
Oh ! because his soul hath labored
He shall see a long-lived seed,^
In the promise of Truth eternal
For Whom the will is the deed.
1 Isaias Ixv. 23. 2 s|-_ jotm xv. 16. 3 isaias liii. 10, 11.
760
Various Devotions
Oh ! yes, there is joy in sorrow,
Oh ! yes, there is balm in tears :
For their fruit — God's greater glory —
Shall last for eternal years. — Ibid.
For All Things Necessary to Salvation
(Composed by Pope Clement XI, 1721)
OMY God, I believe in Thee ; do Thou strengthen my faith.
All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them.
I love Thee ; teach me to love Thee daily more and more.
I am sorry that I have offended Thee ; do Thou increase
my sorrow.
I adore Thee as my first beginning ; I aspire after Thee
as my last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant
benefactor ; I call upon Thee as my sovereign protector.
Vouchsafe, O my God ! to conduct me by Thy wisdom,
to restrain me by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy,
to defend me by Thy power.
To Thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words,
actions, and sufferings ; that henceforward I may think
of Thee, speak of Thee, refer all my actions to Thy greater
glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt appoint.
Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done
because it is Thy will, and in the manner that Thou wiliest.
I beg of Thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame
my will, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.
Give me strength, O my God ! to expiate my offenses,
to overcome my temptations, to subdue my passions, and
to acquire the virtues proper for my state of life.
Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy goodness,
hatred of my faults, love of my neighbor, and contempt of
the world.
May Thy grace help me to be submissive to my su-
periors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends,
and charitable to my enemies.
Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification,
Various Devotions
761
avarice by almsdeeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by
devotion.
O my God ! make me prudent in my undertakings,
courageous in dangers, patient in affliction, and humble in
prosperity.
Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, tem-
perate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and con-
stant in my resolutions.
Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior
modest, my conversation edifying, and my comportment
regular.
Assist me, that I may continually labor to overcome
nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy com-
mandments, and to work out my salvation.
Make me realize, O my God ! the nothingness of this
world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and
the length of eternity.
Grant that I may prepare for death ; that I may fear
Thy judgments, and in the end obtain heaven; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CnHulgences for a Noijena in |§onor of tlft ^uarUiatt <Engcl
i. Three hundred days, each day.
ii. Plenary, once during the novena (on the usual con-
ditions).
The novena may be made at any time and with any form
of prayer sanctioned by competent ecclesiastical authority.
— Pius IX, November 26, 1876.
^^rager to tlje 'Engel (^uartitan
^J NGEL of God, my guardian dear,
♦vT*— To whom His love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side.
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days; plenary indulgence on the feast
of the holy guardian angels (Oct. 2), to those who shall
762
Various Devotions
have said this prayer, morning and evening, throughout,
the year, on the usual conditions ; plenary indulgence at
the hour of death. — Pius VI, Oct. 2, 1795 ; June 11, 1796.
Pius on May 15, 1821, granted a plenary indulgence,
once a month, to all the faithful who shall have said it
every day for a month, as above directed.
V. Pray for us, O holy angel guardian,
R. That we may be made w^orthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray
OGoD, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, hast deigned
to send thy holy angels to watch over us : vouchsafe
to us Thy suppliants in all our days to find safety in their
protection, and in eternity to share their happiness.
'Intipfjon to tl)r lrci}ang£l fHicijael
B ANCTE Michael Arch- Tp^OLY Archangel Mi-
angele, defende nos chael, defend us in
in praelio, ut non perea- the day of battle, that we
mus in tremendo judicio. may not be lost in the
dreadful judgment.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Leo XIII, Aug. 19, 1893.
Eraser to S^i. l^apljarl, 'Irrfjangel
LORious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the
heavenly court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom
and grace, guide of travelers by land and sea, consoler of
the unfortunate, and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to
help me in all my needs and in all the trials of this Hfe, as
thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying.
And since thou art the '^physician of God," I humbly pray
thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body
of the ills that afflict it, if it be for m}^ greater good. I ask,
especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be
the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Leo XIII, June 21, 1890.
Various Devotions
763
iiraarr to t\}t -Irrljangd 6abrtrl
O BLESSED archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee do thou
intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy in our
present necessities, that, as thou didst announce to ]\Iary
the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers
and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the
same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the
living. Amen.
iiragrr to 5t» Innr
LORious St. Anne, thou hast sho\^TL thyself so power-
ful in thy intercession, so tender and compassionate
toward those who honor thee and invoke thee in suffering
and distress, that I cast myself at thy feet with perfect
confidence and beseech thee most humbly and earnestly
to take me under thy protection in my present necessities
and to obtain for me the favor I desire. \'ouchsafe to
recommend my request to Mary, thy beloved daughter,
the merciful Queen of heaven, that she may plead my cause
with you before the throne of Jesus, her divine Son. Cease
not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above
all, obtain for me a great lo\"e for Jesus and Mary, that my
heart may be adorned with their virtues, that I may live
a good life and die a happy death, and one day behold my
God face to face in the blissful abode of the saints.
^noti}cr iSragrr to Innc
ITH deep and heartfelt veneration I prostrate myself
before thee, 0 glorious St. Anne. Thou art that
beloved and privileged creature who on account of thy
extraordinary virtues and sanctity wast worthy to receive
from God the supreme grace of giving life to the treasure
house of all graces, blessed among women, ^Mother of the
Word Incarnate, the most holy Mrgin ]\Iar\'. Deign,
therefore, O most compassionate saint, for the sake of this
lofty privilege, to receive me into the number of thy true
followers, for such I protest I am and desire to remain so
764
Various Devotions
long as I may live. Surround me with thy powerful pat-
ronage, and obtain for me from God the grace to imitate
those virtues with which thou wast so abundantly adorned.
Grant that I may know and bitterly lament my sins. Ob-
tain for me a most lively affection for Jesus and Mary, and
fidelity and constancy in the practice of the duties of my
state. Preserve me from every danger in life, and assist
me in the moment of my death, so that, safe in paradise,
I may unite with thee, most blessed Mother, in praising the
Word of God made man in the bosom of thy most pure
child, the Virgin Mary. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, three
times.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March
20, 1886.
INDULGENCED PRAYER TO ST. JOACHIM
St. Joachim, spouse of Anne, father of the Blessed Virgin,
aid thy clients here on the way to salvation.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
^Ebe IRovena ot (3race In Ibonor of St. jfranda
f avier, Bpoatle of tbe 1FnDie6
ORIGIN OF THE NOVENA
The No vena of Grace, which begins on March 4th and
ends on the 12th, the day of the canonization of St. Francis
Xavier, owes its origin to the saint himself. At Naples, in
December, 1633, Father Marcello Mastrilli, S.J., was at the
point of death. The saint appeared to him, and bidding
him renew a vow he had made to labor in Japan, said :
" All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive
days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included, and
worthily receive the sacraments of Penance and the Holy
Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my pro-
tection and may hope to obtain from God any grace they
ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God." The
Various Devotions
765
Father arose, instantly cured. So well has the saint kept
this promise, that this devotion in his honor became uni-
versally kno\^Ti as the Xovena of Grace. Its efficacy is not
restricted to the dates mentioned. It may be made very
appropriately in preparation for the feast of St. Francis
Xavier, viz., the 3d of December. Though any prayers
may be said in honor of the saint, the following are generally
recommended.
i^ragcr to =St. JJrands Jabtrr
Used for the novena from the beginning and attributed
to Father MastrilH, S.J.
OST amiable and most loving St. Francis Xavier, in
union with thee I reverently adore the divine ]\Iaj-
esty. I rejoice exceedingly on account of the marvelous
gifts which God bestowed upon thee. I thank God for
the special graces He gave thee during thy life on earth and
for the great glory that came to thee after thy death. I
beseech thee with all my heart to obtain for me by thy
powerful intercession the all-important grace of living and
dying in a holy manner. I entreat thee to obtain for me also
the special grace I desire to receive in this Novena {here
you may mention the grace, spiritual or temporal, you wish
to obtain), and if what I ask is not for the glory of God and
for the greater good of my soul, obtain for me that which
is most conducive to this end. Amen.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray
OGoD, who didst vouchsafe, by the preaching and
miracles of St. Francis Xavier, to join unto Thy
Church the nations of the Indies ; grant, we beseech Thee,
that we who reverence his glorious merits may also imitate
his example, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
766
Various Devotions
Then add Our Father and Hail Mary, three times, in
memory of St. Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy
Trinity, and Glory be to the Father, ten times, in thanksgiving
for the graces received during his ten years of apostleship.
^Xini\itx 3Jraser to 5t» Jrancis Xabter
O FERVENT apostle, indefatigable laborer in the vine-
yard of the Lord, glorious St. Francis Xavier, who,
urged b}^ a burning zeal for the salvation of souls, didst
expose thyself to extreme dangers, and didst welcome the
most appalling labors and sacrifices, vouchsafe also to take
charge of my perfection.
Obtain that I may imitate thy perfect detachment from
creatures, thy confidence in God, thy abandonment to the
divine will, thy humility, obedience, and charity, thy
generosity in the practice of virtue, and thy zeal for souls.
Pray for me that I may strive earnestly to make Jesus
Christ reign in all hearts, and that, having by the aid of
divine grace, walked in thy footsteps here below, I may
one day enjoy with thee the bliss of heaven. Amen.
IPrager of Ssi. JFranns ^^abter for i\)Z Conberston of tlje
^^f^ERNAL God, the Maker of all things, remember that
V-^ the souls of unbelievers have been created by Thee,
and that they have been made after thy own image and
likeness. Behold, O Lord, to Thy dishonor, with these
very souls hell is filled. Remember, O God, that for their
salvation Thy Son Jesus Christ underwent a most cruel
death. O Lord, suffer not that Thy Son be despised by
unbehevers; but, appeased by the prayers of holy men
and of the Church, the Spouse of Thy most holy Son,
remember Thy own pity, and, forgetting their idolatry and
their unbelief, bring to pass that they may at length ac-
knowledge Thy Son Jesus Christ, Who is our salvation
life, and resurrection, through Whom we are saved and set
Various Devotions 767
free; to Whom be glory from age to age without end.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, May 24,
1847.
&U JFranns labtcr's ^^mn of ILobe
ODeus, ego amo Te ! God, I love Thee for
KJ Thyself
Nec amo Te ut salves And not that I may heaven
me, gain,
Aut quia non amantes Te, Nor because those who love
Thee not,
yEterno punis igne : Must suffer hell's eternal
pain.
Tu, Tu, mi Jesu, totum me Thou, O my Jesus I Thou
didst me
Amplexus es in cruce. Upon the cross embrace ;
Tulisti clavos, lanceam For me didst bear the nails
and spear
Multamque ignominiam. And manifold disgrace ;
Innumeros dolores, And griefs and torments
numberless,
Sudores et angores. And sweat of agony ;
Ac mortem : et haec propter E'en death itself — and all
me, for one
Ac pro me peccatore ! Who was Thine enemy.
Cur igitur non amem Te, Then why, O blessed Jesus
Christ,
O Jesu amantissime ? Should I not love Thee well :
Non ut in coelo salves me, Not for the sake of Vvinning
heaven,
Aut ne aeternum damnes me, Or of escaping hell ;
Nec praemii ullius spe ; Not with the hope of gaining
aught, not seeking a
reward ;
Sed sicut Tu amasti me. But, as Thyself hast loved
me, O ever-loving Lord ?
Various Devotions
768
Sic amo et amabo Te,
Solum quia Rex meus es,
Et solum quia Deus es.
E'en so I love Thee, and will
love, and in Thy praise
will sing ;
Solely because Thou art
my God
And my eternal King.
^{je Natl of tfje ^amti Jgeart
Other sheep I have; them also I must bring,
(St. John X. 16)
LL you who fain what you possess
To others would impart,
Oh ! listen to those words of fire
Breathed forth from Jesus' Heart.
^'And other sheep I have," He says,
"And they too I must bring.
That there may be one only Fold,
One Kingdom and one King."
To bring them back He little heeds
What tears and blood He spent —
As though without those "other sheep "
He could not be content.
Count not the cost, ye chosen ones,
At which souls must be bought ;
Cost what it may, to Jesus' Heart
Those "others" must be brought.
With all we love, and life itself,
Oh ! what a joy to part !
To satisfy the burning thirst
Of Jesus' sacred Heart.
— From The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
Various Devotions
769
Give Me Souls
SK what Thou wilt, O dearest Lord,
Nought, nought will I deny,
But only give me countless souls
For thee, before I die.
Let others pray about themselves,^
Thy grace leads many ways.
Da mihi animas, 'tis thus.
Thy Spirit in me prays.
A life-long sorrow, if Thou wilt.
And sharp enduring pain ;
All, all were light, if souls for Thee,
Might be the precious gain.
Tears will be sweet, for Thou hast wept,
And blood, if needs must be ;
No cost too great to purchase souls,
O dearest Lord, for Thee,
Whatever be the price, O Lord,
This grace to me impart :
Souls from the world and sin set free —
Souls for Thy sacred Heart.
— From The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
Prayer of St. Alphonsus
O SERAPHIC virgin, St. Teresa, beloved spouse of the
Crucified, thou who didst burn with such great love
of God while on earth, and now burnest with a still purer
1 In allusion to those words of St. Teresa : ''Beware of sharing
the sentiment of certain persons to whom it appears very hard
not to pray much for themselves." (Way of Perfection, chap, iii.)
770
Various Devotions
and brighter flame in Heav^en ; thou who didst so greatly
desire to see Him loved by all men, obtain for me too, I
pray thee, a spark of that holy fire, whereby I may oppose
the world, creatures, and myself ; and grant that all my
thoughts, desires, and affections may be ever emplo3^ed in
pursuing, whether in the midst of joys or of sufferings, the
will of the Supreme Good, who deserves our unbounded
love and obedience. Oh, obtain for me this grace, thou
who art so powerful with God, that, hke thee, I may be all
on fire with divine love. Amen.
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of
Indulgences, April 22, 1898, granted to the faithful, who
shall recite the above prayer, an indulgence of one hun-
dred days, once a day.
&U ^IgUfS, Uirgm, HHartgr
Prayers
O SINGULAR example of virtue, glorious St. Agnes,
by that lively faith which animated thee from thy
most tender years, and rendered thee so acceptable to God
that thou didst merit the crown of martyrdom ; obtain for
us the grace to preserve entire in our hearts the Catholic
Faiih, and sincerely to profess ourselves Christians not only
in word but also in deed; so that while we confess Jesus
openly in the face of men, Jesus may give favorable
testimony of us before his heavenly Father. Pater, Ave,
Gloria.
O INVINCIBLE martyr, St. Agnes, by that hope which
thou hadst in the divine aid, when being condemned
by the impious prefect to see the lily of thy purity stained
and trampled under foot, thou wast wholly undismayed,
firmly trusting in the God who gives his angels charge over
those who trust in Him ; we beseech thee to obtain for us
by thy intercession the grace to guard this virtue jealously
in our hearts, so that to the many sins which we commit we
Various Devotions
771
may never add that most hateful sm of distrust in the
mercy of God. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
O BRAVE child, most pure St. Agnes, by that ardent
charity which inflamed thy heart and secured thee
from being injured by the flames of passion or of the stake
at which the enemies of Jesus Christ sought to destroy
thee; obtain for us from God that every fire may be ex-
tinguished in us except that which Jesus Christ came on
earth to enkindle ; so that after passing a spotless life in
the exercise of this beautiful virtue we may be allowed to
share in that glory which is the crown of thy purity of heart
and of thy martyrdom. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
His Holiness, Pope Leo XHI, by a rescript of the S.
Congr. of Indulgences, Jan, 16, 1886, granted to all the
faithful who, with contrite hearts, devoutly recite the above
prayers : an indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE FIVE SUNDAYS
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of
Indulgences, Alay 17, 1890, granted to the faithful who,
on the five Sundays immediately preceding the feast of
St. John Berchmans (August 13th), having received the
sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, shall per-
form some pious exercise in honor of the saint, and shall
visit a church or public oratory and pray there for the in-
tention of the Sovereign Pontiff, an indulgence of seven
years and seven quarantines on the first four Sundays;
and a plenary indulgence on the fifth Sunday.
Prayer
BT. John Berchmans, my most loving patron, seraph
of charity, I rejoice with thee at the ardent fire of
charity which kept thy pure and innocent heart always
at peace and united to God ; I humbly pray thee, obtain
for me such ardor of divine love that it may remove from
772
Various Devotions
my heart every inordinate earthly affection, destroy my
evil tendencies, and cause me in all my actions to be
prompted by the purest intention : All for the love of Jesus!
All for the greater glory of God! Pater, Ave, Gloria.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, May
24, 1847.
S)ex>out iBxcxcisc of tbe Six SunDai^B tn
Honor ot St- Blo^stus Gonsaga
A plenary indulgence on each of the six Sundays which
are wont to be kept in honor of this saint, either immedi-
ately before his feast, on June 21, or at any other time of
the year. In order to gain this plenary indulgence, it is
requisite to keep the six Sundays consecutively; and on
each of them, after confession and communion, to employ
one's self in pious meditations or vocal prayers, or other
works of Christian piety, in honor of the saint. — Clement
XII, Dec. II, 1739;' Jan. 7, 1740.
O BLESSED Aloysius, adorned with angelic graces, I,
thy most unworthy suppliant, recommend specially
to thee the chastity of my soul and body, praying thee by
thy angelic purity to plead for me with Jesus Christ, the
immaculate Lamb, and His most holy Mother, Virgin of
virgins, that they would vouchsafe to keep me from all
grievous sin. 0 never let me be defiled with any stain of
impurity ; but when thou dost see me in temptation, or in
danger of falling, then remove far from my heart all bad
thoughts and unclean desires, and awaken in me the mem-
ory of eternity to come and of Jesus crucified; impress
deeply in my heart a sense of the holy fear of God; and
thus, kindling in me the fire of divine love, enable me so to
follow thy footsteps here on earth that, in heaven with
Various Devotions
773
thee, I may be made worthy to enjoy the vision of our God
forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — ■ Pius VII, March
6, 1802.
E\jt IBratfj of ^t. Stanislaus ictostfta
T. Stanislaus had drawn as his monthly patron
for August the glorious martyr St. Laurence, and
in his honor he performed daily some penance or devo-
tion. On the eve of his feast he obtained leave to take the
discipline ; in the morning he went to Communion, and
then laid before the image of the saint a letter addressed
to our Lady, in which he begged that he might die on her
feast of the Assumption, and he prayed St. Laurence to
present to her his petition. That night he was seized with
a slight fever, which, however, rapidly increased; and on
Assumption-eve he received the last sacraments. Then,
as he lay dying, he had brought to him a httle book contain-
ing a litany in his o\\m writing of his monthly patron
saints, whom he constantly invoked. At 3 a.m. on the
feast of the Assumption his face suddenly Kt up with joy,
and he breathed forth his soul to the Mother of God, who
had come to conduct him. to heaven.
— Bowden's Miniature Lives of the Saints.
X^XdL^tx to Stanislaus Itostka
'T^ear St. Stanislaus, angel of purity and seraph of
fJLJ charity, I rejoice with thee at thy most happy death,
which arose from thy desire to contemplate our Lady in
heaven, and was at length caused by the excess of thy love
for her, I give thanks to Mary because she thus accom-
phshed thy desires ; and I pray thee, by the luster of thy
happy death, to be my advocate and patron in my death.
Intercede with Mary for me, to obtain for me a death, if
not all happiness like thine, yet calm and peaceful, under
the protection of Mary my advocate, and of thee, my
special patron. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
774
Various Devotions
Prayer
(From the Roman Missal)
OGoD, who among the many wonders of thy wisdom
dost endue some, even in tender years, with the grace
of ripest hohness : grant unto us, we beseech thee, after the
pattern of blessed Stanislaus, to be instant in good works,
and thus to make speed to enter into everlasting rest.
Baptratione to 5t Bntbon^ ot paDua
to ©btain IDanous (Bracee
BT. Anthony, we beseech thee, obtain for us the
grace that we desire.
St. Anthony, great wonder-worker, intercede for us that
God may grant us our request, if it be for the good of our
soul.
St. Anthony, be our patron, our protector, and our ad-
vocate in Kfe and in death.
St. Anthony, attentive to those who invoke thee, grant
us the aid of thy powerful intercession for the grace of holy
purity, meekness, humility, obedience, the spirit of pov-
erty, and perfect abandonment to the will of God.
St. Anthony, glory of the Church and hammer of her-
etics, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests,
our Religious Orders, that, through their pious zeal and
apostoUc labors, infidels, heretics, and all those outside
the true Church of Christ may be converted and, united
in faith, give greater glory to God.
St. Anthony, servant of Mary, obtain for us greater
devotion to the blessed Mother of God.
St. Anthony, obtain for us the grace of perseverance, the
grace of a happy death.
Various Devotions
Bi quaeris mira-
cula,
Mors, error, calami-
tas.
Daemon, lepra fugi-
unt,
^gri surgunt
sani.
Cedunt mare, vin-
cula ;
Membra resque per-
ditas
Petunt et accipi-
unt
Juvenes et
cani.
Pereunt peri-
cula,
Cessat et necessi-
tas ;
Narrent hi, qui sen-
I tiunt,
I Dicant Padua-
Cedunt mare, vin-
cula ;
Membra resque per-
ditas
Petunt et accipi-
unt
Juvenes et
cani.
in l^onor af Bt. ^ntljong
IF, then, you ask for
miracles,
Death, error, all calami-
ties.
The leprosy, and demons
fly,
And health succeeds in-
firmities.
The sea obeys, and fetters
break ;
And lifeless limbs thou
dost restore ;
A\Tiilst treasures lost are
found again,
When young or old thine
aid implore.
All dangers vanish at thy
prayer,
And direst need doth
quickly flee ;
Let those who know, thy
power proclaim,
Let Paduans say : These
are of thee.
The sea obeys, and fetters
break ;
And lifeless limbs thou
dost restore ;
Whilst treasures lost are
found again.
When young or old thine
aid implore.
776
Various Devotions
Gloria Patri et Fi-
lio,
Et Spiritui Sancto.
Cedunt mare, vincula, etc.
To Father, Son, may glory
be,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
The sea obeys, etc.
V. Ora pro nobis, B.
Antoni.
R. Ut digni efficiamur
promissionibus Christi.
V. Pray for us, blessed
Anthony.
R. That we may be
made worthy of the prom-
ises of Christ.
Oremus
^^CCLESIAM Tuam, Deus
beati Antonii confes-
soris Tui commemoratio
votiva l£!:tificet, ut spiri-
tualibus semper munia-
tur auxihis et gaudiis per-
frui mereatur aeternis.
Per Christum Dominum
nostrum. x\men.
Let us pray
OGod! may the votive
commemoration of
the blessed Anthony, Thy
confessor, be a source of joy
to Thy Church, that she
may always be fortified
with spiritual assistance,
and deserve to enjoy eter-
nal rewards. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the
Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, Jan. 25, 1866,
granted to all the faithful, as often as they shall, with
at least contrite heart and devotion, say this respon-
sory, with the versicle and prayer annexed, an indul-
gence of 100 days ; also a plenary indulgence, once a
month, on any day, to all those who have said it for
a month, provided that, being truly penitent, after
confession and communion, they shall visit a church
or public oratory, and there pray, for some time, for
the intention of His Holiness.
Various Devotions
777
^^rager to <St» %nt\)on^ of ^atiua
o thee we have recourse, most powerful worker of
miracles, in whose breast burned a sublime fire of
charity towards God and the poor. To thee, who wast
deemed worthy to hold in thy arms the infant Jesus, who
chose to be born poor, to thee, full of confidence, we betake
ourselves, that thou mayest pray the good Jesus to have
compassion on us in our great tribulations. Oh ! obtain
for us the favor which we humbly implore {here state the
favor needed). If thou dost obtain it for us, O glorious
St. Anthony, we ^\*ill offer thee bread for the poor whom
thou didst love so greatly on earth.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory.
His Holiness, Leo XIH, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of
Indulgences, May ii, 1897, granted to the faithful who
shall recite the above prayer, with an Our Father, Hail
Mary, and Glory, etc., an indulgence of one hundred days,
once a day.
THIRTEEN PATERS, AVES, AND GLORIAS IN HONOR OF ST.
ANTHONY
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of
Indulgences, June 9, 1896, granted to the faithful who shall
say thirteen Paters, Aves, and Glorias in honor of St. An-
thony of Padua, an indulgence of one hundred days, once
a day.
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS, OR OF THE
THIRTEEN SUNDAYS
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a brief of March i, 1898,
granted to the faithful who, on thirteen successive Tuesdays
or as many successive Sunda3^s, once only, at any time
during the year, shall spend some time in pious meditation,
or vocal prayers, or any other works of piety, to the
glory of God and in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, on
the usual conditions, confession and communion ; and
778
Various Devotions
a plenary indulgence on each of the said Tuesdays or
Sundays.
Note. — St. Anthony of Padua, of the Order of St. Francis, was
by birth a Portuguese. In life, as after death, he worked many
miracles, and was famous for learning as well as for hohness. He
died at Padua, in north Italy, whence the name by which he is
universally known.
In 1 23 1, on June 13th, when the saint was thirty-six
years of age, his brief but brilliant apostolate came to a
sudden close. x\fter his death, beginning on the day of his
burial at Padua, which happened on Tuesday, June 17th,
so many miracles were wrought through the intercession of
St. Anthony, that already in the following year, on May
30, 1232, he was publicly and solemnly declared a saint
by Pope Gregory IX.
lS>cvotione in Ibonor of St ffrancie of Ueeiei
(Feast, September 17th)
o all the faithful who, upon the five Sundays which
immediately precede the feast of the sacred Stigmata
of St. Francis of Assisi, or upon any other five consecutive
Sundays during the year, shall exercise themselves either
in pious meditation, or in vocal prayer, or in any other
work of Christian piety, in honor of the said sacred Stig-
mata, a plenary indulgence is granted once a year, on each
of the five Sundays, on the usual conditions. — Leo XIII,
Nov. 21, 1885.
HE seraphic St. Francis of Assisi, in September, 1224,
being rapt in contemplation on the desolate JNIount
Alvernia in the Apennines, received from x^lmighty God
the wondrous grace of having impressed on his hands, feet,
and side, the likeness of the sacred wounds of Christ.
From these stigmata blood flowed at intervals, until the
day of the saint's death, two years later. The Holy See
has decreed that this miracle be annually commemorated
in the Church, on September 17.
Various Devotions
779
iiragcr of t!}C (JTIjurrfj tn J^anor of i\]t ^amU stigmata
of =St» Jrancis of Isstsi
OLoRD Jesus Christ, who when the world was growing
cold, in order that the hearts of men might burn anew
with the fire of Thy love, didst in the flesh of the most
blessed Francis reproduce the stigmata of Thy passion :
be mindful of his merits and prayers; and in Thy mercy
vouchsafe to us the grace ever to carry Thy cross, and to
bring forth worthy fruits of penance.
ipragcr for tfje least of Jrancts of %s%m
(October 4th)
From the Roman Missal
AiNT Francis of Assisi, Founder of the great Order of
Friars Minor, was renowned for the strict practice
of evangehcal poverty, which he, both by example and by
precept, inculcated on his followers. Pope Innocent III,
having seen in a vision the humble Francis supporting
the tottering walls of the Lateran Basilica, the Cathedral
of Rome, fostered to the utmost the new Institute. Mi-
raculously marked with the sacred stigmata (Sept. 17),
Saint Francis passed away at Assisi, his birthplace, Oct. 4,
1226, being then in the 45th year of his age.
OGoD, who, through the merits of blessed Francis,
dost magnify thy church, enriching it anew with
spiritual offspring : make us, like him, to disdain the goods
of earth, nor at any time to lack the comforting gifts
of heaven.
Nobena to Sii. JJranris of Assist
I. y^LORious St. Francis, who didst voluntarily
\S) renounce all the comforts and riches of thy home
to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation
of Jesus Christ : obtain for us, we pray, a generous con-
78o
Various Devotions
tempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true
and eternal things of heaven.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Francis, who during the whole course
of thy life didst continually weep over the Passion of the
Redeemer, and labor most zealously for the salvation of
souls : obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping con-
tinually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh
Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the
number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme
mercy.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Francis, who, loving above all things
suffering and the cross, didst merit to bear in thy body the
miraculous stigmata, by which thou didst become a living
image of Jesus Christ crucified : obtain for us, we pray,
the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ,
that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which
are infallibly promised to all those who now weep.
"If we be dead with Christ Jesus, we shall live also with
Him," says the Apostle; ''if we suffer, we shall also reign
with Him" (2 Tim. ii. 11, 12).
Pray for us, St. Francis, that we may obtain the graces
and favors we ask for in this no vena; pray for us, espe-
cially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance ; of a
holy death and a happy eternity. Say the Our Father,
Hail Mary, Glory, five times.
Inbncatfon to 5t» ^fjomas 'Equmas kfore Hecture
ax cStutig
O BLESSED Thomas, patron of schools, obtain for us
from God an invincible faith, burning charity, a
chaste life, and true knowledge, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec.
14, 1889.
Various Devotions
781
ilragrr of ^t. ^Jjomas Hquinas
{To he said before study or class)
C\ MERCIFUL God, grant that I may eagerly
desire, carefully search out, truthfully acknoAvl-
edge, and ever perfectly fulfil all things which are
pleasing to Thee, to the praise and glory of Thy name.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Leo XIII,
June 21, 1879.
^ Nobena tn ?§onar of l^ljtlomcna, Firgtn anti fHartgr
The Little Wonder-Worker of Our Oivn Times
BOR close on a hundred years the name of St. Philo-
mena has been accorded in the Church a veneration
which, growing intensified by the number of miracles
vouchsafed through her intercession, has spread over the
whole world. Previous to the discovery of her tomb and
relics at the opening of the nineteenth century, her name
had found no place in sacred story. There is a pious
tradition that she was a child-martyr and a contemporary
of St. Sebastian, Avho suffered in the reign of the Roman
Emperor Diocletian about the year of Our Lord 286.
The Catacomb of St. Priscilla, outside the walls of Rome,
lies beneath the Via Salaria Xova. Here, in the pon-
tificate of Pius VII, a remarkable slab attracted the cus-
todians of the cemetery, who were then prosecuting inves-
1, ligations there, and on the 25th of May, 1802, the tomb
1 1 was formally examined. On the tiles that enclosed it,
i' the following inscription was read: ^'Fhilomeiia Fax
I Tecum.^^ The devices which were interwoven with these
V simple words — an anchor, an arrow, and a palm — deter-
mined the spot as the last resting place of a martyr. The
tomb was opened by ^Nlonsignor Ludovici, who disclosed
to the gaze of his assistants and bystanders the precious
(
1
782
Various Devotions
remains. Beside them stood the phial containing the
blood of the saint. The examination of the relics having
been made, it was ascertained that St. Philomena had been
martyred in her tender youth, at about 12 or 13 years of
age.
The relics of the saint were bestowed in the Church of
Mugnano, which was destined on this account and through
the numerous miracles wrought by her intercession to be-
come one of the most honored shrines in the Christian
world. It was in the summer of 1805 that the relics were
transferred to Mugnano. On the eve of the arrival the
bells of all the churches were rung, and cannon were fired
in honor of the advent of the relics. The inhabitants made
their first petition to the saint by asking, through her in-
tercession, that the long-continued drought from which
their crops suffered might come to an end. The sound of
the bells from the church towers had scarcely ceased when
rain fell in copious torrents. At sunrise the procession
entered Mugnano. The joyful inhabitants turned out in
vast multitudes with olive branches in their hands to wel-
come the youthful m^artyr — and the Kttle children, as they,
saw the case of refics dressed with flowers, filled the air
with the cries of "Viva la Santa ! Viva la Santa ! Hail
to the saint !"
During the course of the procession to the church of Santa
Maria delle Grazie — which occupied two hours — many
manifestations of the power of the saint were witnessed.
Although the day was serene and beautiful at one time
a whirlwind arose, and yet not a single one of the lights
which were carried before the Shrine of Philomena was
extinguished.
The body of the saint was placed under a splendid
canopy at the Gospel side of the principal altar, where
High Mass was celebrated. That day — the loth of
August — was observed as a feast day of obligation, and
the spiritual rejoicings lasted over many weeks.
The numerous wonders which immediately began to be
wrought at this shrine induced Don Francesco — the
saintly priest who had received them from Rome — to an-
nounce his long-cherished intention of keeping the relics
Various Devotions
783
in his private chapel. After a short time he bestowed
them on the church of Santa ]\Iaria delle Grazie.
Here a side chapel was prepared to receive them, and an
altar erected, beneath which they were henceforth to rest
for pubHc veneration.
On the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, September
25, 1805, after the celebration of High Mass, the reHcs
were carried in procession, and solemnly deposited in their
appointed place.
]Mass was again chanted at the new altar, and thus ended
the translation of the rehcs of St. Philomena. To the zeal
and sanctity of the Cure of Ars may be ascribed, in great
measure, the rapid and universal spread of devotion to St.
Philomena throughout France. Medals and other me-
morials of the virgin-martyr distributed by him were fruit-
ful of many miracles. The story of the extinction of a
fire at his house (caused by the agency of the devil) , through
the presence of a statue of St. Philomena, will be remem-
bered by many readers of Monsieur Manney's life.
Among the clients of the martyr, whose special holiness
has distinguished them in the annals of this century, may
be named — Pere Varin, one of the restorers of the Society
of Jesus in France ; Venerable Mother Barat, foundress
of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart ; Madame
d'Houet, foundress of the Faithful Companion of Jesus
and Mary; Pere Eymard, founder of the Priests of the
Most Holy Sacrament.
As regards the shrine at ]\Iugnano, the present beautiful
church, surmounted by its dome and towers, was under-
t taken in 1853, and completed three years later. Its great
I attraction is the chapel containing the relics of St. Philo-
; mena. A profusion of the finest marbles, mingled with
j agate and porphyry, cover the walls from floor to ceiling.
I Stately columns, supporting Corinthian capitals of white
I I marble, impart an appearance of chaste splendor to the
I whole interior. Over the white marble altar stands the
case containing the relics, revealing the figure of the saint,
half sitting, half reclining on her couch, radiant in jewels
and costly attire. Above is the famihar picture of our
Lady of Good Counsel. At the opposite side of the nave
I
l
784
Various Devotions
is an altar, on which rests the rehquary containing the
phial of the martyr's blood. This exquisite casket was the
gift of Marie Therese, Queen of Naples. It is entirely
composed of silver, and through an aperture filled with
glass the sacred relic may be easily seen. The generosity
of faithful hearts, in happier times, bestowed vast endow-
ments and estates on this church of St. Philomena, and thus
provided for the relief of the poor and the advancement
of other meritorious works. But, alas ! the sacrilegious
hands of the usurper have confiscated all.
The constant stream of pilgrims has, however, never
ceased. Old and young, rich and poor, of all nationalities,
assemble there, and bring away with them graces untold,
and a deep sense of the power of God through the efficacy
of His saints.
The decree authorizing the devotion to St. Philomena,
and granting to the clergy of Nola the privilege of saying
Mass in her honor, was pubHshed by Gregory XVI on
January 30, 1837. In March, 1839, the same Pontiff,
by decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, raised her
feast to the dignity of a double of the second class. It is
to be noted that hers is the only instance of a Proper
Office" being granted in honor of a saint of whom no
details are recorded or known, except the bare fact of her
martyrdom. This was indicated, as we have already re-
marked, by the emblems cut on her tomb, and the three
simple words inscribed on the slab enclosing her place of
rest : ''Pax tecum ! Philomena." " Peace be with thee !
Philomena."
Pius IX and Leo XIII gave evidence of a similar venera-
tion for the martyr of the primitive Church.
In Ireland, the devotion to this child — saint and martyr
— has been taken up with great fervor, and rewarded with
many striking favors.
The pious Sisterhoods, to whose hands is confided the
great work of Catholic education, have not been slow to
find how powerful is the help of the "little wonder-worker."
Schools, special works of charity, the wants of the sick and
afflicted, have many a time been blessed and promoted in
wonderful ways through the invocation of St. Philomena.
Various Devotions
78s
Her name is a household word in many Irish homes. Many
a stricken heart turns to her for aid in the necessities which
encompass our various paths through this land of distress
and sorrow. And it is sweet to think that much of that
beautiful fervor and devotion toward St. Philomena,
which has spread like the odor of some delicate fragrant
flower over pagan and far-off lands, has been borne thither
by Irish hands and Irish hearts.
May our efforts to retrace some of the glories which sur-
round the name of the youthful martyr of the Catacombs
increase the fervor of those devoted to her. May they
urge others to spread wider still veneration for her virtues
of constancy and heroism, by which she obtained such
favor w^ith God, and merited so many benedictions for
those who invoke her ! St. Philomena ! Pray for us.
iirager for a Nobetta in ?§onor of iiljtlomena
O GLORIOUS virgin and martyr, beloved child of God,
blessed Philomena I I rejoice in thy glory, and give
God thanks that He has bestowed on thee such power, for
the glory of His name, for the edification of His Church, and
to honor thy merits in hfe, and thy sufferings and martyr-
dom in death. Looking up to thee in heaven, I rejoice to
see thee so exalted, so powerful, so pure, so generous. I
congratulate thee on being so faithful to the precepts and
counsels of Jesus Christ, while on earth, and on being so
munificently rewarded by Him in heaven. Moved by
thine example to the practice of solid virtue, filled with
hope at the view of the rewards bestowed upon thee, I
resolve to imitate thee in the avoidance of all evil, and in
the fulfilment of God's holy will. Assist me, O glorious
little saint, by thy powerful intercession, and obtain es-
pecially for me perfect purity — invincible fortitude in
all trials, temptations, and sufferings — generosity which
refuses nothing to God — and love stronger than death
for the one true Faith — a ready and willing obedience
to the Holy Roman Catholic Church and to our sovereign
Pontiff, the common Father of all the faithful, the Pastor
786
Various Devotions
of pastors and of their flocks, and vicegerent of Jesus Christ
throughout the universe.
Beside these favors which I have now asked through thy
powerful intercession, O blessed Philomena ! I also ask an
additional grace and favor, which I have the fullest con-
fidence of obtaining through thy powerful intercession.
{Here mention the graces and favors.)
Surely God, who is so good, and for whom thou hast given
up thy life — God who is so good, and who has bestowed so
many gifts and favors upon and through thee — God who
is so good as to have died for me, and to give Himself to me
in holy communion — God who is so good as to have
revealed the burning love of His sacred Heart for me,
surely He will not refuse to hearken graciously to thy
pra3Trs, to my supplications, and even to His own desire
to help the afHicted. For this do I hope, while I put all my
confidence in God and in thee, O blessed Philomena !
Amen.
O Jesus, grant me grace to love Thee, and to make others
love Thee. O Mary, my tender Mother, obtain for me a
great love for Thy divine Son Jesus. Holy St. Joseph,
bless me and intercede for me. St. Philomena, pray for
me. Amen.
— Extracts from " Life of St. Philomena," published b)^
The Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart.
®n Unbulaences^
Mbat 19 an ITnDulgence 7
N indulgence is the remission by the Church, on
specified conditions, of the whole or a part of the debt
of satisfaction remaining due for sin. The Church has
power to absolve from guilt; she has also power to remit
the punishment. The one she exercises in the sacrament
of Penance; the other she exercises when she grants an
indulgence. /\nd it is clear from w^hat has been said that
an indulgence is supplemental to absolution, and presup-
poses the forgiveness of the guilt of sin.
Theologically considered, an indulgence is not a mere
exercise of spiritual power and authority on the part of the
Church ; it is truly a payment of the debt, made out of her
treasury of satisfactory merit; for in this are stored up
the superabundant merits of Jesus Christ, and the accu-
mulated merits of our Lady and all the saints. With
this inexhaustible fund at her command, she has the means
of satisfying the debts due from her children to the justice
of God.
In form, an indulgence emanates from the Pope, leaving
out of account the limited power exercised by bishops in
favor of their flocks and by cardinals, nuncios, and others ;
and it is registered in a Decree or Rescript of the Con-
gregation of Indulgences, or some similar document. It
attaches to a specified prayer or good work an additional
satisfactory value, such value being expressed in the terms
of an ancient canonical penance, viz., so many days, quar-
antines (which lasted forty days), or years, to which the
indulgence is thereby declared to be equivalent. The
earliest indulgences were, in fact, remissions of these very
penances.
Indulgences are either plenary or partial, according as a
remission of all, or of part, of the debt of punishment due
is granted. In either case the actual benefit obtained
1 From ''The Raccolta" (the igio Edition, Burns and Oates).
787
788
On Indulgences
depends upon the dispositions of the penitent, and the care
and accuracy he employs in fulfilling the conditions laid, h
down.
It only remains to add that, though the Church has no '
direct jurisdiction over the souls in purgatory, she author-
izes and encourages, as a work of supreme charity, the
application of indulgences, by way of suffrage, to the needs
of those afflicted souls; and we may confidently assure
ourselves that these suffrages are most acceptable to the
divine Majesty, and that what the Church would thus, as
it were, indirectly loose in purgatory, is speedily loosed also
in heaven, amid the rejoicing of all the heavenly court, to
the great glory of God, and to the incalculable benefit, as
well of the suffering souls as of their earthly benefactors.
Note. — The following indulgenced prayers and ejacu-
lations may be used very profitably in all our exercises of
piety; e.g., at Morning and Night Prayer, at Mass, Com-
munion, and Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and in par-
ticular for the relief of the holy souls in purgatory.
W()t 5Ese of CnliulgcttceH ?3rasers
IF you would serve God faithfully and piously, you
must not rest satisfied with saying your morning and
evening prayers; you must also often raise your heart to
God during the day, at your work, and in your temptations.
In order to render this easier to you, the following prayers,
enriched by the Church with numerous indulgences, have
been collected together. They will thus tend both to your
own good and the relief of the poor souls. "We forget too
often our dear deceased," says St. Francis of Sales. St.
Ignatius can not sufficiently praise and esteem indulgences.
He exhorts us for the love of God to set high value on them.
St. Alphonsus Liguori advises us to make the intention in
our morning prayers to gain all the indulgences in which
we can participate during the day. Try to draw the great-
est profit from these prayers. Learn some of them by
heart, so as to have them ready in time of work or tempta-
tion. Repeat them as often as you can, and in a short
On Indulgences
789
time you will become an interior soul and reap rich bless-
ings.
We should make it our practice to offer each day some
special prayer or work for the holy souls suffering in pur-
gatory. We should never miss saying a De Profundis for
them, or, at least, the indulgenced Versicles and Responses :
V. Requiem aeternam
dona eis, Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat
eis.
F. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
F. Eternal rest give unto
them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual
light shine upon them.
F. May they rest in
peace. R. Amen.
We should say as many indulgenced prayers for them as
we can, and frequently offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass
or a holy communion for them.
The Poor Souls in Purgatory
The holy souls suffering in the prison of purgatory are
incapable of helping themselves.
Out of the depths of torturing flame they call to us
Miseremini I " "Have pity on us f^^
We have it in our power to help these suffering friends of
God. We can do so by prayer, almsdeeds, works of mercy,
holy communion, the Holy Mass, and indulgences, and to
do so is certainly an act of charity. Understanding this
full well, the saints, without exception, have been most
earnest and constant in their efforts to help them. Some
of them have made this devotion one of the strong charac-
teristics of their sanctity, and we venture to say that no
truly devout or sincere Catholic neglects this spiritual work
of mercy.
Even the very poor, in Ireland, for instance, and also in
this country, make many sacrifices in order to secure for
their departed relatives and others the special benefits of
the Holy Mass. May the same enlightened piety ever
remain firmly rooted in the hearts of our people, and may
the day never come when they will cease to follow beyond
790 Indulgenced Prayers
the grave with tender soUcitude the souls of those they
loved in life.
In praying for the dead and gaining indulgences for them,
let us remember that every prayer we say, every sacrifice
we make, every alms we give for the repose of the dear
departed ones, will all return upon ourselves in hundred-
fold blessings. They are God's friends, dear to His sacred
Heart, living in His grace, and in constant communion with
Him ; and though they may not alleviate their own suffer-
ings, their prayers in our behalf always avail. They
can aid us most efficaciously. God will not turn a deaf
ear to their intercession. Being holy souls, they are grate-
ful souls. The friends that aid them, they in turn will
also aid. We need not fear praying to them in all faith
and confidence. They will obtain for us the graces that
we ask for the good of our souls. They will watch over us
and protect us in the dangers of Ufe and they will intercede
with God for our eternal salvation. — See Forget-Me-Nots
from Many Gardens.
irn&ulgenceb ]Ejaculatfons an5
praters
W(it ®lorg \st to tfjE JFatfjer
(Thrice)
Indulgence of loo days, three times a day, for saying
morning, noon, and night, the Glory he to the Father thrice,
in thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity for the graces and
privileges granted to most holy Mary, especially in her
glorious assumption into heaven. — Pius VII, July ii,
1815.
(Slorg be to tlje Jatfjer
{Seven times)
For saying the Glory he to the Father seven times to
obtain the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit; for the
Indulgenced Prayers 791
Propagation of the Faith; and for the intention of
the Pope.
Indulgence of 7 days, every time. — Pius IX,
March 12, 1857.
^ije Sbi%xi of tfje Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost.
Indulgence of 50 days, each time ; 100 days, each
time, if made with holy water. — Pius IX, July 28,
1863, March 23, 1866.
Note. — The words must be said, in either case.
CijanksQibtns on gear's ISbe
This devotion consists of two half -hours, viz., the
last of the old year and the first of the new, spent in
thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity for benefits received,
and in praying according to the intention of the Pope.
Indulgence of 7 years. — Pius IX, Dec. 5, 1876.
3Inbocattotts in J^onor of tlje J^olg ^rtnitg
/'^^NiPOTENCE of the Father, help my frailty,
and rescue me from the depths of misery.
Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts, words,
and actions.
Love of the Holy Spirit, be the source of all the
operations of my soul, so that they may be entirely
conformed to the divine will.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
792 Indulgenced Prayers
Jpragtr to i\)t Jgolg ^rtnitg
I ADORE Thee, O my God, one God in three Per-
sons; I annihilate myself before Thy majesty.
Thou alone art being, life, truth, beauty, and good-
ness. I glorify Thee, I praise Thee, I thank Thee,
and I love Thee, all incapable and unworthy as I am,
in union with Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour
and our Father, in the mercifulness of His heart and
through His infinite merits. I wish to serve Thee,
to please Thee, to obey Thee, and to love Thee always,
in union with Mary immaculate, Mother of God and
our Mother, loving also and serving my neighbor for
Thy sake. Therefore, give me Thy Holy Spirit to
enlighten, correct, and guide me in the way of Thy
commandments, and in all perfection, until we come
to the happiness of heaven, where we shall glorify
Thee forever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
April 18, 1906.
Prager for ^eace
TVE peace, O Lord, in our days ; for there is none
other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, our
God.
V. Let there be peace in thy strength, O Lord.
R. And plenty in Thy strong places.
Let us pray
OGoD, from Whom proceed all holy desires, all
right counsels and just works ; grant unto us
Thy servants that peace which the world can not give,
that our hearts may be devoted to thy service, and
that, being delivered from the fear of our enemies, we
Indulgenced Prayers 795
may pass our time in peace under thy protection.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius IX,
May 18, 1848.
TERNAL Father, we offer Thee the blood,
passion, and death of Jesus Christ, and the sor-
rows of the most holy Mary and St. Joseph, in pay-
ment for our sins, in suffrage for the holy souls in pur-
gatory, for the wants of our holy Mother the Church,
and for the conversion of sinners. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
April 30, i860.
Prager for JFiHelitg anti (Conformitg to t})r Qtbtnt WiiW
LORD Almighty, Who permittest evil to draw
good therefrom, hear our humble prayers, and
grant that we remain faithful to Thee unto death.
Grant us also, through the intercession of most holy
Mary, the strength ever to conform ourselves to Thy
most holy will.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
June 15, 1862; Leo XIII, July 19, 1879.
l^rager for tfje Supreme pontiff
OLORD, in union with millions of believers, and
, prostrate here at Thy feet, we pray Thee to
i save, defend, and long preserve the Vicar of Christ,
the Father of the glorious society of souls, our own
Father. To-day and every day he prays for us, fer-
vently offering to Thee the sacred Victim of love and
794 Indulgenced Prayers
peace. Turn then, O Lord, Thy loving eyes upon us,
who forgetful as it were of ourselves pray now above
all things for him. Unite our prayers with his, and
receive them into the bosom of Thy infinite mercy,
as a most sweet perfume of that living and efiicacious
charity, in which the children of the Church are united
to their Father. All that he asks of Thee to-day we
too ask for with him. Whether he sorrows or rejoices,
or when he hopes or offers the Victim of love for his
people, we would be united with him. We desire
that the utterance of our souls should be one with his.
.Mercifully grant, O Lord, that no one of us be far
from his mind and heart during the hour of his prayer,
and when he offers to Thee the sacrifice of Thy blessed
Son. And in the moment that he, our most revered
Pontiff, holding in his hands the very body of Jesus
Christ, shall say to the people over the chalice of bene-
diction the words. The peace of the Lord he ever with
you, do Thou, O Lord, cause Thy most sweet peace to
descend with a new and manifest power into our
hearts, and upon all the nations of mankind. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 8, 1896.
^zi of mesignatton to tJje OTill of (^oU
EiAT, laudetur, atque ^T^ay the most just,
in aeternam super- ^J-^ most high, and most
exaltetur justissima, altis- adorable will of God be in
sima, et amabihssima vo- all things done, praised,
luntas Dei in omnibus, and magnified forever.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. Plenary in-
dulgence, once a year, to all who say it daily. Plen-
ary indulgence (at the point of death), to those who,
during life, shall have frequently recited this ejacula-
tion, provided that, worthily disposed, they accept
Indulgenced Prayers 795
death with resignation from the hands of God. — Pius
VII, May 19, 1818.
EJACULATION
Deus mens et omnia ! My God, and my all !
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Leo XIII,
May 4, 1888.
INVOCATION
My God, grant that I may love Thee, and as the
sole reward of my love, grant that I may ever love
Thee more and more.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 15, 1890.
EJACULATIONS
My God, my only good. Thou art all mine ; grant
that I may be all Thine.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 13, 1902.
Blessed be God !
Indulgence of 50 days, if said devoutly on hearing
a blasphemy. — Pius X, Nov. 28, 1903.
My God, unite all minds in the truth and all hearts
in charity.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
Jan. 21, 1905; May 30, 1908.
^rager for tJje Cljurcl}
O CREATOR Sancte holy Spirit, Crea-
Spiritus, adesto pro- tor, be propitious to
pitius Ecclesiae Catholicae, the Cathohc Church ; and
796 Indulgenced Prayers
earn que contra inimico- by Thy heavenly power
rum incursus tua superna make it strong and secure
virtute robora et con- against the attacks of its
firma; tua caritate. et gra- enemies; and renew in
tia spiritum famulorum charity and grace the
tuorum, quos unxisti, re- spirit of Thy servants,
nova, ut in te clarificent whom Thou hast anoint-
Patrem Filiumque ejus ed, that they may glorify
unigenitum Jesum Chris- Thee and the Father and
turn Dominum nostrum. His only-begotten Son,
Amen. Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Aug. 26, 1889.
^Praser for t!)e ?|ropaflattott of tlje JFattI)
BpiRiTUS Sancte, Spiri- holy Spirit, Spirit
tus veritatis, veni of Truth, come into
in corda nostra ; da popu- our hearts ; shed the
lis claritatem lucis tuae, brightness of Thy light on
ut in fidei unitate tibi all nations, that they may
complaceant. be one in faith and pleas-
ing to Thee.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
July 31, 1897.
Fent, Sancte ^}jtr{tus
Invocation
VENI, Sancte Spiri- ^^ome, O Holy Ghost,
tus, reple tuorum VS) fill the hearts of Thy
corda fidelium, et tui amo- faithful, and kindle in
ris in eis ignem accende. them the fire of Thy love.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X,
May 8, 1907.
Indulgenced Prayers 797
<Ect of (jronsecratton to i\iz i^olg Spirit
OHOLY Spirit, divine spirit of light and love, I
consecrate to Thee my understanding, heart,
and will, my whole being for time and eternity. May
my understanding be always submissive to Thy
heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the
Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible
Guide ; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of
God and of my neighbor ; may my will be ever con-
formed to the divine will, and may my whole life be
a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of Our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father
and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, June
5, 1908.
^cts of tfje W:ixu Eijeological Firtues
Faith, Hope, and Charity
HAiTH. O my God, I believe in Thee, because
Thou art the infallible Truth ; I beheve all the
truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, be-
cause Thou hast revealed them to her.
OPE. O my God, relying on Thy mercy, power,
and promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of
my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting,
through the merits of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and
Redeemer.
EOVE. O my God, I love Thee with my whole
heart and above all things, because Thou art
infinitely good ; I love my neighbor as myself for the
love of Thee.
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines, each time.
— Benedict XIV, Jan. 28, 1756.
79^ Indulgenced Prayers
Note. — Any form of words may be used, provided
it expresses the particular motive of each of the three
theological virtues.
]Bei30tton t0 tfje J^olg Name
Glory be to the Father, etc., and May the holy
Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed, five times.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time ; plenary indul- -
gence on the Sunday after the Epiphany, if said daily,
to all who visit a church where the feast of the Holy
Name is being celebrated. — Pius X, Nov. 26, 1906.
Cnijocatton of tije J^olg Name
Indulgence of 50 days every time one says to an-
other. Praised he Jesus Christ , or answers. Amen or
For evermore.
Also indulgence of 25 days, every time any one
invokes the most holy name of Jesus ; plenary indul-
gence at the point of death, to any one who has had
the devout practice of saluting and answering as
above. — Clement XIII, Sept. 5, 1759.
iPrager: ''<^ ilHost dompasstonate Jesus!*'
OMOST compassionate Jesus ! Thou alone art
our salvation, our life, and our resurrection. We
implore Thee, therefore, do not forsake us in our needs
and afflictions, but by the agony of Thy most sacred
Heart, and by the sorrows of Thy immaculate
Indulgenced Prayers 799
^Mother, succor Thy servants whom Thou hast re-
deemed by Thy most precious blood.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Oct. 6, 1870.
i^ragrr for tlje Eobe of 0oi3
OMY Jesus, Thou well knowest that I love Thee ;
but I do not love Thee enough : Oh I make me
to love Thee more. O Love, which burnest always
and is never extinguished, my God, Thou Who art
charit}^ itself, kindle in my heart that divine fire
which consumes the saints and transforms them into
Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 6, 1893.
Sb\inxi ilragcr ht J^onor of x\)t I^olg JTamtIg
RANT US, O Lord Jesus, faithfully to imitate the
examples of Thy Holy Family, so that in the
hour of our death, in the company of Thy glorious
Virgin Mother and St. Joseph, we may deserve to be
received by Thee into eternal tabernacles.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
March 25, 1897.
EJACULATION OF ST. JEROME EMILIANI
Sweetest Jesus, be to m.e not a Judge, but a Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Aug. II, 1851.
1
8oo Indulgenced Prayers
EJACULATTONS
My Jesus, mercy !
Indulgence of loo days, every time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 24, 1846.
0 Lord, preserve to us the Faith.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Pius X,
March 20, 190S.
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time, for saying or
inducing others to say this ejaculation. — Pius IX,
May 7, 1854.
Saviour of the world, have mercy on us.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
Feb. 21, 1891.
Most sweet Jesus, increase my faith, hope, and
charity, and give me a humble and contrite heart.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a da}^ — Leo XIII,
Sept. 13, 1893.
^^tagtr for tf}c Conbcrston of dinners
LORD Jesus, most merciful Saviour of the world,
we beg and beseech Thee, through Thy most j
sacred Heart, that all wandering sheep may now !
return to Thee, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father and the
Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time, — Pius X,
Nov. 22, 1905,
htdulgenced Prayers 80 1
iirager to 5tsus in i\)t tabernacle
'Y^EAR Jesus, present in the Sacrament of the
r-L' Altar, be forever thanked and praised. Love,
worthy of all celestial and terrestrial love! who, out
of infinite love for me, ungrateful sinner, didst assume
our human nature, didst shed Thy most precious
blood in the cruel scourging, and didst expire on a
shameful cross for our eternal welfare ! Now, il-
lumined with lively faith, with the outpouring of my
whole soul and the fervor of my heart, I humbly
beseech Thee, through the infinite merits of Thy
painful sufferings, give me strength and courage to
destroy every evil passion which sways my heart, to
bless Thee in my greatest afflictions, to glorify Thee
by the exact fulfilment of all my duties, supremely to
hate all sin, and thus to become a saint.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Jan.
I, 1866.
Ftstt to ti}e ISlesseti Sacrament
With the Our Father^ Hail Mary, and Glory he to
the Father five times, and Our Father , Hail Mary, and
Glory he to the Father once for the intention of the
Pope.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius IX,
Sept. 15, 1876.
EJACULATION IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here present in the
sacrament of Thy love.
Indulgence of 100 days, every time before the
tabernacle; indulgence of 300 days, at exposition,
every time. — Pius X, July 3, 1908.
8o2 Indulgenced Prayers
ACT or ADORATION WHILE PASSING A CHURCH
For an act of reverence while passing a church or
chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
Indulgence of loo days, every time. — Pius X,
July 3, 1908.
EJACULATION OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO
THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT
BLESSED and praised every moment
Be the most holy and divine Sacrament.
or
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment
Thine !
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day ; 100 days, three
times a day on Thursdays, and during the Octave of
Corpus Christi ; plenary indulgence once a month ;
100 days during Mass if said at each elevation ;
100 days, at the ringing of the bell at the hours during
the Forty Hours' Exposition, or at other times, and
at Benediction. — Pius VI, May 24, 1776; Pius VII,
June 30, 1818 ; Dec. 7, 1819.
Nobena for (ITorpus C^ristt
This novena may be made privately, with any pious
practices, or publicly with devotions prescribed by the
bishop.
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines each day ;
plenary indulgence on the feast or during the novena
or octave on the usual conditions, viz,^ confession,
communion, and prayer accprding to the intention of
the Pope. Pius X, May 8, i^q^,
Indulgenced Prayers 803
For the Increase of
ODULCISSIME JeSU,
qui in hunc mundum
venisti, ut omnes animas
vita ditares gratiae tuae,
ad quam in illis servan-
dam simulque fovendam
in augustissimo Eucha-
ristiae Sacramento salu-
tare pharmacum earum
infirmitatibus sanandis,
et cibum divinum debili-
tati sustinendae temetip-
sum quotidie praebes, te
supplices deprecamur, ut
super eas sanctum tuum
spiritum benignus effun-
das ; quo repletae, lethali
labe si quae sint inquinatae
ad te revertentes, vitam
gratiae deperditam re-
cuperent ; quae vero, te
misericorditer largiente,
jam tibi adhaerent, quo-
tidie, prout cui dabitur,
ad tuam ccelestem dapem
devote accedant, qua ro-
boratae, venialium cul-
parum a se quotidie ad-
missarum antidotum sibi
comparare, vitamque gra-
tiae tuae alere valeant,
uldssime 3z%\x''
Daily Communion
SWEETEST Jesus, who
camest into this world
to give to all the life of Thy
grace, and who, to pre-
serve and sustain it, didst
will to be the daily remedy
of our daily infirmities,
and our daily food ; hum-
bly we pray Thee, by Thy
heart, all on fire with love
of us, to pour out Thy
Holy Spirit upon all, so
that those who are un-
happily in mortal sin may
be converted to Thee, and
recover the life of grace
which they have lost ; and
those who by Thy gift still
live in this divine life,
may every day, when
they are able, approach
devoutly to Thy holy
table, where, in daily
communion, receiving
every day the antidote
to their daily venial sins,
and nourishing the life of
grace in their hearts, and
purifying more and more
their souls, they may
come at last to the enjoy-
8o4 Indulgenced Prayers
sicque magis magisque
emundataj, sempiternam
in coelis beatitudinem con-
sequantur. Amen.
ment with Thee of eternal
beatitude. Amen.
Note. — Those who are daily communicants, even
though they miss once or twice a week, are not bound
to confess weekly in order to gain all indulgences,
except jubilees. — Pius X, Feb. 14, 1906.
An indulgence of 300 days, once a day, for the
recital of the above prayer. — Pius X, June 3, 1905.
^ragrr to ^ur ILatig of tlje BIcssrti .Sacrament
VIRGIN Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, glory of the Christian people, joy of the
universal Church, salvation of the world ; pray for us
and awaken in all the faithful devotion to the Holy
Eucharist in order that they may render themselves
worthy to receive it daily.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, Jan.
23, 1907.
Pragers IBuring a J^rocession of tlje Blesseli .SacramEnt
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father. Then
say ten times :
V, Let us every moment praise the Most Holy
Sacrament.
R. May our God, present in the Sacrament, be
now and ever praised.
Repeat Our Father, Hail Mary, etc., while the pro-
cession is in progress.
Indulgence of 300 days. —
Pius X, Aug. II, 1906.
Indulgenced Prayers 805
EJACULATION AT THE ELEVATION OF THE MASS
ANT) AT THE EXPOSITION OF THE
BLESSED SACRAMENT
*-p^OMiNUS meus, et /T^y Lord and my God!
JLJ Deus meus! A-*-^
These words are to be said with faith, piety, and
love, w^hile looking upon the Blessed Sacrament,
either during the Elevation in the ]\Iass, or when ex-
posed on the altar.
Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. — Pius X,
May 18, 1907.
Ftstt to tl}e Blcsscti Sacrament IBurmg ti}e jFortg
flours* Bebotion
HE prayer for forty hours together before the
Blessed Sacrament, in memory of the forty hours
during which the sacred body of Jesus was in the
sepulcher, began in Milan, about the year 1534.
Thence it spread into other cities of Italy, and was
introduced into Rome, for the first Sunday in every
month, by the Archconfraternity of the Most Holy
Trinity of the Pilgrims (founded by St. Philip Neri,
in the year 1548), and, for the third Sunday in the
month, by the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of
Prayer, called La Morte, in the year 1551.
This prayer of the Forty Hours was established
forever by Pope Clement VIII, for the whole course of
the year, in regular continuous succession, from one
church to another, commencing on the first Sunday
in Advent. This Pope was moved to establish this
devotion by the public troubles of holy Church, in
order that, day and night, the faithful might appease
their Lord by prayer, before the Blessed Sacrament
8o6 Indulgenced Prayers
in solemn exposition, imploring there His divine mercy.
He further granted indulgences to those who shall
assist at prayer during this solemn exposition. All
this was afterward confirmed by Pope Paul V, in the
brief, Cum Jelicis recordationis, May lo, 1606. The
indulgences are : a plenary indulgence to all who,
after confession and communion, shall devoutly visit
the Blessed Sacrament exposed to public veneration
and pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff ;
an indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines, for every
visit made with true contrition and a firm purpose of
going to confession. This indulgence was confirmed
by his Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a rescript of the S.
Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 26, 1876. By a rescript.
May 10, 1807, Pius VII declared that henceforth and
forever, in the churches where the Blessed Sacrament
is exposed, all the altars are privileged during the
time of exposition, and Leo XIII, by a rescript of
the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Dec. 8, 1897, extended
the same indulgences to all churches throughout the
world where this devotion is practised as in Rome. —
''The New Raccolta."
Note. — The Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori for
a Visit to the Blessed Sacrament is very suitable for
the Forty Hours' Adoration.
All the prayers, litanies, ejaculations, and devotions
found in this book in honor of the Blessed Sacrament,
the Most Holy Name, the Passion of Our Lord, and
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, are appropriate for this
occasion. The Rosary, especially the Eucharistic
Rosary, and the Litany of the Saints are also very
commendable.
Indulgenced Prayers 807
Ect 0f i^fparatton anH Ejaculations for a Ftsit
Esus, my God, my Saviour, true God and true
man, in that lowly homage with which faith
inspires me, with my whole heart I adore and love
Thee in the most august Sacrament of the Altar, in
reparation for all the acts of irreverence, profanation,
and sacrilege, which I myself may ever have been so
unhappy as to have committed, as well as for all such
like acts that ever have been done by others, or that
may be done in ages yet to come. I adore Thee, my
God, not indeed as Thou deservest, nor as much as
I am bound to adore, but as far as I am able ; and I
would that I could adore Thee with all the perfection
of which a reasonable creature is capable. Meantime
I purpose now and ever to adore Thee, not only for
those Catholics who adore and love Thee not, but also
for the conversion of all bad Christians, and of all
heretics, schismatics, Mohammedans, Jews, and idola-
ters. Jesus, my God, mayest Thou be ever known,
adored, loved, and praised every moment, in the
most holy and divine sacrament! Amen.
EJACULATORY PRAYERS
I ADORE Thee every moment, 0 living Bread
of heaven, great Sacrament I
Jesus, Heart of Mary, I pray Thee send Thy bless-
ing on my soul.
Holiest Jesus ! loving Saviour ! I give Thee my
heart.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VH, by a rescript, Jan.
21, 181 5, granted to all the faithful, every time that,
with contrite heart and devotion, they shall say this
act of reparation and the ejaculatory prayers, an indul-
gence of 200 days.
8o8 Indulgenced Prayers
^notfjer Jlrager for a Uisit
EOOK down, Holy Father and Lord, from thy
sanctuary, and from heaven, thy dwelUng-place
' on high, and behold this sacred Victim which our
great High Priest, Thy holy Child, Our Lord Jesus,
offers up to Thee for the sins of His brethren ; and be
appeased for the multitude of our transgressions. Be-
hold, the voice of the blood of Jesus, our brother,
cries to Thee from the Cross. Give ear, O Lord !
Be appeased, O Lord ! Hearken, and do not tarry,
for Thine own sake, O my God, for Thy name is in-
voked upon this city and upon thy people ; and deal
with us according to Thy mercy. Amen.
V. That Thou vouchsafe to defend, pacify, keep,
preserve, and bless this city.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us.
Indulgence of loo days, once a day. — Pius IX,
Feb. 4, 1877.
Xntiulscnces for <Bm l^our's JPragrr on l^olg f^ljursnag,
(Corpus Cljrtstt, anH otjjer f^ijursHags
Plenary, to all who on Holy Thursday, either in
public or private, shall for one hour practise some de-
votion in remembrance of the institution of the most
holy Eucharist; to be gained after confession and
communion on that day, or some day in the following
week.
Plenary, on the same conditions, on the Feast of
Corpus Christi.
300 days, on any other Thursday.
Pray according to the intention of the Pope. —
Pius IX, June 18, 1876.
Indiilgenced Prayers - 809
INDULGENCE TOR A VISIT TO THE HOLY SEPULCHER
ON HOLY THURSDAY AND GOOD ERIDAY
Ten Years and Ten Quarantines for each visit.
Condition : Prayer according to the intention of
the Pope. — Pius VH. March 7, 181 5.
=^cbtn ^IBfffrinas, anti ^iraiirrs in J^onor of i\}t i^rrriotts
Bl0oti of (Bixx ILorl!
I
TERNAL Father I I ofTer Thee the merits of
the precious blood of Jesus, Thy weh-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God, for the propagation
and exaltation of my dear ]\Iother. Thy holy Church ;
for the safety and prosperity of her visible head, our
chief pastor, the Bishop of Rome ; for the cardinals,
bishops, and pastors of souls, and for all the ministers
of the sanctuary. Glory he to the Father.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus. Who
hath saved us with His blood.
II
TERNAL Father I I offer Thee the merits of
the precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God. for the peace and con-
cord of Catholic kings and princes, for the humilia-
tion of the enemies of our holy Faith, and for the wel-
fare of all Christian people. Glory he to the Father,
Blessed and praised, etc.
Ill
>^ TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merits of
vJl the precious blood of Jesus. Thy well-beloved
Son, my Sa\dour and my God, for the repentance of
8io Indulgenced Prayers
unbelievers, the uprooting of heresy, and the conver-
sion of sinners. Glory he to the Father.
Blessed and praised, etc.
IV
TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merits of
V->1 the precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God, for all my relatives,
friends, and enemies; for the poor, the sick, and the
afflicted, and for all those for whom Thou, my God,
knowest that I ought to pray, or wouldst have me
pray. Glory he to the Father.
Blessed and praised, etc.
V
TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merits of
the precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God, for all who this day
are passing to the other life ; that Thou wouldst save
them from the pains of hell, and admit them quickly
to the possession of thy glory. Glory he to the Father.
Blessed and praised, etc.
VI
TERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merits of
the precious blood of Jesus, thy well-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God, for all those who
love this great treasure, for those who join with me
in adoring it and honoring it, and for those who strive
to spread devotion to it. Glory he to the Father.
Blessed and praised, etc.
Iiidulgenced Prayers 8 1 1
VII
eTERNAL Father ! I offer Thee the merits of
the precious blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved
Son, my Saviour and my God, for all my wants, spiri-
tual and temporal ; in suffrage for the holy souls in
purgatory, and chiefly for those who were the most
fervent lovers of this blood, the price of our Redemp-
tion, and who were most devout to the sorrows and
pains of our dear Mother, most holy Mary. Glory he
to the Father.
Blessed and praised, etc.
Glory be to the blood of Jesus, now and forever,
and throughout all ages ! Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius VII,
Sept 22, 1817.
^blatton anti ^^anftsgiijing in Jgonor of tfje fHost
ISrccious Blooti of 3t%m
TERNAL Father ! we offer Thee the most pre-
cious blood of Jesus, shed for us with such great
love and bitter pain from his right hand ; and through
the merits and the efficacy of that blood, we entreat
Thy divine Majesty to grant us Thy holy benediction,
in order that we may be defended thereby from all
our enemies, and be set free from every ill ; whilst we
say. May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, descend upon us and remain with us
forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father,
Indulgence of 100 days, every time. — Leo XII,
Oct. 25, 1823.
8i2 Indulgenced Prayers
ITnDulgenceD prai^er for a Cbristian jfamtl^
OD of goodness and mercy, we commend to Thy
all-powerful protection our home, our family,
and all that we possess. Bless us all as Thou didst
bless the Holy Family of Nazareth.
O Jesus, our most holy Redeemer, by the love with
which Thou didst become man in order to save us,
by the mercy through which Thou didst die for us
upon the cross, we entreat Thee to bless our home,
our family, our household. Preserve us from all evil
and from the snares of men ; preserve us from Hght-
ning and hail and fire, from flood, and from the rage
of the elements; preserve us from Thy wrath, from
the hatred and the evil designs of our enemies, from
plague, famine, and war. Let not one of us die with-
out the holy sacraments. Bless us, that we may
bravely confess that faith by which we are sanctified,
that we may never falter in our hope, even amid pain
and affliction, and that we may ever grow in love
for Thee and in charity toward our neighbor.
O Jesus, bless us, protect us.
O Mary, Mother of grace and mercy, bless us, pro-
tect us against the evil spirit ; lead us by the hand
through this vale of tears ; reconcile us with thy
divine Son ; commend us to Him, that we may be
made worthy of His promises.
St. Joseph, reputed father of Our Saviour, guardian
of His most holy Mother, head of the Holy Family,
intercede for us, bless and protect our home always.
St. Michael, defend us against all the malice of hell.
St. Gabriel, obtain for us that we may ever seek
the holy will of God.
St. Raphael, preserve us from ill health and all
danger to Kfe.
Indulgenced Prayers 813
Holy guardian angels, keep us day and night in the
way to salvation.
Holy patrons, pray for us before the throne of God.
Bless this house, Thou, God our Father, Who didst
create us; Thou, divine Son, Who didst suffer for
us on the cross ; Thou, Holy Spirit, Who didst sanc-
tify us in baptism. May God, in His three divine
persons, preserve our bodies, purify our souls, direct
our hearts, and lead us to life everlasting.
Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, glory
be to the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day. — Leo XHI,
Jan. 19, 1889.
^ iiragfr to i\]t J§oIg JFamilg for i\]t JFuIfilment of
our (Cijristian Duties
ESUS, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us
the grace to love our holy Church, as we ought,
above all earthly things, and to show^ our love for it
always and w^ith the evidence of deeds.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father,
ESUS, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us
the grace to profess, as we ought, openly, with
courage, and without human respect, the Faith we
received as a gift with holy baptism.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
ESUS, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us
the grace to share in the defense and propaga-
tion of the Faith, as we ought, when duty calls, whether
by word or by the sacrifice of our fortunes and our
lives.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
8i4 Indulgenced Prayers
Esus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us
the grace to love one another as we ought, and
bring us into perfect harmony of thought, will, and
action, under the rule and guidance of our pastors.
Our Father^ Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
Esus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us
the grace to conform our lives, as we ought, to
the precepts of God and of the Church, so that we
may always live in that charity of which they are the
expression. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII,
May 17, 1890.
EJACULATION TO JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and
my soul; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my
last agony ; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe
forth my soul in peace with you.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius VII,
Aug. 26, 1814.
3Litani5, anD otber prai^ere for a f)appi2 2>eatb
EORD, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven. Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world. Have mercy
on us.
God, the Holy Ghost. Have mercy on us.
Indulgenced Prayers
Holy Trinity, one God. Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,i
All ye holy angels and archangels,
Holy Abraham,
St. John the Baptist,
St. Joseph,
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. John,
St. Jude,
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,
All ye holy disciples of Our Lord,
All ye holy innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
All ye holy martyrs,
St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Augustine,
St. Basil,
St. Ambrose,
St. Francis de S Jes,
St. Vincent de Paul,
St. Aloysius,
St. Stanislaus,
All ye holy bishops and confessors,
St. Benedict,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis of Assisi,
St. Ignatius,
St. PhiHp Neri,
St. Camillus de Lellis,
1 Pray for us.
8i6 Indulgenced Prayers
St. John of God/
All ye holy monks, hermits, and founders of Religious
Orders,
St. Mary Magdalene,
St. Lucy,
St. Scholastica,
St. Teresa,
St. Catharine,
St. Clara,
St. Ursula,
St. Angela Merici,
St. Jane Frances de Chantal,
St. Barbara,
All ye holy virgins and widows,
All ye saints of God, intercede for us.
Be merciful unto us. Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful unto us. Hear us, O Lord.
From Thine anger,''
From an evil death,
From the pains of hell.
From all evil.
From the power of the devil,
By Thy nativity,
By Thy cross and passion,
By Thy death and burial.
By Thy glorious resurrection,
By the grace of the Holy Ghost the Comforter,
In the Day of Judgment,
We sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,^
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us unto true
repentance.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant eternal rest to
all the faithful departed,
1 Pray for us. ^ O Lord, deliver us. ^ We beseech Thee, hear us. '
Indulgenced Prayers 817
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
spare us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us,
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed
the world,
Let us pray
*T^rviXE Jesus, incarnate Son of God, who for our
fjLJ salvation didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to
pass thy life in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die amid
the sufferings of the Cross, I entreat Thee in the hour of my
death, say to thy divine Father: "Father, forgive him'\'
say to thy beloved Mother : "behold thy son''; say to my
soul: "this day thou shalt be H'ith Me in Paradise.'' My
God, my God, forsake me not in that hour. "/ thirst" :
truly, my God, my soul thirsts after Thee, who art the
fountain of living waters. My life passes like a shadow;
yet a little while and all will be consummated. Wherefore,
O my adorable Saviour, from this moment, for all eternity,
^'into Thy hands I conuneud 7ny spirit." Lord Jesus,
receive my soul. Amen.
O Jesus, Who during Thy prayer to the Father in the
garden of Gethsemane wast so filled with sorrow and an-
guish that there came forth from Thee a bloody sweat ;
have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast betrayed by the kiss of a traitor
into the hands of the wicked, seized and bound like a thief,
and forsaken by Thy disciples ; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who, by the unjust council of the Jews was
sentenced to death, led like a malefactor before Pilate,
8i8 Indulgenced Prayers
scorned and derided by impious Herod; have mercy on
us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast stripped of Thy garments and most
cruelly scourged at the pillar, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast crowned with thorns, buffeted,
struck with a reed, blindfolded, clothed with a purple
garment, in many ways derided, and overwhelmed with
reproaches ; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast less esteemed than the murderer
Barabbas, rejected by the Jews, and unjustly condemned
to the death of the cross ; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast loaded with a cross, and led to the
place of execution as a lamb to the slaughter ; have mercy
on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast numbered among thieves, blas-
phemed, and derided, made to drink of gall and vinegar,
and crucified in dreadful torment from the sixth to the
ninth hour ; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who didst expire on the cross. Who wast pierced
with a lance in presence of Thy holy Mother, and from
Whose side poured forth blood and water; have mercy
on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast taken down from the cross and bathed
in the tears of Thy most sorrowing Virgin Mother; have
mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord; have mercy on us.
O Jesus, Who wast covered with bruises, marked with
the five wounds, embalmed with spices, and laid in the
sepulcher ; have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord; have mercy on us.
V. He hath truly borne our infirmities.
And He hath carried our sorrows.
Indulgenced Prayers 819
Let us pray
(Indulgenced Prayer)
OGOD, Who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be
born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected by
the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be
bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to
the slaughter ; Who didst suffer Thyself to be shamelessly
exposed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod ;
to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges and
insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows, defiled
with spittings, to have Thy divine countenance covered, to
be struck with a reed, to be stripped of Thy clothes, nailed
to and raised high upon a Cross between two thieves, to be
given gall and vinegar to drink, and then pierced with a
lance ; do Thou, 0 Lord, by these most sacred sufferings,
which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to contemplate, by
Thy holy cross and by Thy bitter death free me from the
pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me to Paradise,
whither Thou didst lead the thief who was crucified with
Thee, my Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy
Ghost livest and reignest God forever and ever. Amen.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria five times.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius VII, Aug.
25, 1820.
iPraser far tlje JFattfjful m tfjetr "Egons
OMOST merciful Jesus, Lover of souls ! I pray Thee,
by the agony of Thy most sacred Heart, and by the
sorrows of Thy immaculate Mother, cleanse in Thine own
blood the sinners of the whole world who are now in their
agony and about to die this day. Amen.
Heart of Jesus, once in agony, pity the dying.
820
Indulgenced Prayers
ilrager for a J^appg IBeati)
By Cardinal Newman
OMY Lord and Saviour, support me in my last hour by
the strong arms of Thy sacraments, and the fra-
grance of Thy consolations. Let Thy absolving words be
said over me, and the holy oil sign and seal me; and let
Thine own body be my food, and Thy blood my sprinkling ;
and let Thy Mother Mary come to me, and my angel
whisper peace to me, and Thy glorious saints and my own
dear patrons smile on me, that in and through them all
I may die as I desire to live, in Thy Church, in Thy faith,
and in Thy love. Amen.
EJACULATION
My Jesus, mercy.
Indulgence of loo days, each time. — Pius IX, Sept.
24, 1846.
O JESUS, while adoring thy last breath, I pray Thee to
receive mine. In the uncertainty whether I shall
have the command of my senses, when I shall depart out
of this world, I offer Thee from this moment my agony
and all the pains of my passing away. Thou art my
Father and my Saviour, and I give back my soul into Thy
hands. I desire that my last moment may be united to
the moment of Thy death, and that the last beat of my
heart may be an act of pure love of Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, July
16, 1902.
EJACULATION
Jesus, Mary, and good Joseph, bless us, now and in the
agony of death.
Indulgence of 50 days. — Pius X, June 9, 1906.
Indulgenced Prayers 821
€0 fHarg
OMARY, conceived without stain, pray for us who fly
to thee. Refuge of sinners, Mother of those who
are in their agony, leave us not in the hour of our death,
but obtain for us perfect sorrow, sincere contrition, remis-
sion of our sins, a worthy reception of the most holy Viati-
cum, the strengthening of the sacrament of Extreme Unc-
tion, so that we may be able to stand with safety before the
throne of the just but merciful Judge, our God and our
Redeemer. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius IX, March
II, 1856.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my
soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.
EJACULATIONS TO BE USED IX PREPARATION FOR
A GOOD DEATH
EOSE li'ho ivish to make sure of dying i^ell should fre-
quently pray for the grace of perseverance and make use
of indulgenced invocations, many of which are contained in
this hook. As for those persons ivho are in attendance on
the sick, their duty is from time to ti?ne to suggest or recite the
Christian Acts, short prayers, etc., hut always with great
sweetness ajtd discretion.
Confttience in ^oti
E who has placed his confidence in God is never
abandoned by Him.
Jesus Christ died to obtain for us the pardon of our sins.
God gave us His only Son to die for us; therefore how
can He refuse to pardon us ?
82 2 Indulgenced Prayers
The Lord is my light and my salvation ; of whom, then,
shall I be afraid ?
Into Thy hands I commend my spirit; Thou didst re-
deem me, Lord, Thou God of mercy.
We pray Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou
hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood.
In Thee, O Lord, have I trusted ; let me never be con-
founded. Good Jesus, hide me in Thy sacred wounds.
Thy wounds will plead for me.
Passion of Jesus, thou art my hope.
Death of Jesus, thou art my hope.
Eternally will I sing the Lord's mercy.
O Mary, my Mother, thou canst save me; thou must
save me ; have pity on me. Hail, our Queen ! Hail, our
hope !
Holy Mary, pray for me.
My God, I regret that I have sinned, because sin dis-
pleases Thee, O infinite Good ! My God, I love Thee with
my whole heart and above all things. Oh, grant that I
may love Thee more and more.
My God, would that I could love Thee as Thou dost
deserve to be loved.
O Mary, my Mother, I love Thee with all the ardor of
my soul, and I desire to love Thee eternally in paradise.
(ironforntits to ©oti's OTilP
EORD, do with me what Thou wilt. May Thy will be
ever done ; I only desire what Thou wilt. I desire to
suffer what Thou wiliest ; I desire to die in Thy love and
in perfect conformity to Thy holy will.
Into Thy hands I commend my body, my soul, my life,
and my death. I love Thee, O my God, whether it pleaseth
Thee to send me consolations or afiflictions, and I desire to
love Thee always.
Will of my God, Thou art my love.
1 Pius VII, May 19, 1818.
Indulgenced Prayers 823
lEjaculation of EestgnatiDn to tije OTill of ®ol3
Indulgences
I. One hundred days, once a day.
II. Plenary, in articido mortis (at the point of death), to
those who, during Hfe, shall have frequently recited this
ejaculation, provided that, worthily disposed, they accept
death with resignation from the hands of God.
HIAT, laudetur, atque in /T^^y the most just,
aeternum superexalte- most high, and most
tur justissima, altissima, et adorable will of God be in
amabilissima voluntas Dei all things done, praised, and
in omnibus. magnified forever.
J^rager for ©race to tJo tfje SHill of ©oli
RANT me, most kind Jesus, thy grace, that it may
abide with me, labor with me, and persevere with me
to the end.
Grant me ever to desire and to will that which is the
more acceptable to Thee, and pleases Thee best.
May Thy will be mine, and my will ever follow Thine,
and be in closest accord with it.
^lay it be my one care to will and to be unwilling in
union with Thee, and may I be unable to will or not will
anything but what Thou wiliest or wiliest not.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day ; From the Imitation
of Christ, iii. 15 ; v. 3. — Leo XIII, Feb. 27, 1886.
IBcstre of ParatJtse
OMY God, when shall I behold Thine infinite beauty ;
when shall I behold Thee face to face?
In paradise I shall love Thee, and Thou wilt love me
throughout eternity, my God and my All !
824 Indulgenced Prayers
My Jesus, when shall I behold Thee and kiss those
wounds which were inflicted on Thee for my sake ?
0 Mary, when shall I find myself at the feet of the
Mother who has loved and aided me so tenderly ?
My sweet Protectress, turn thou on me thine eyes of
mercy. Take me from this land of exile, and show me the
blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
<Bx\, Itissmg ttjc Crucifix
QY Jesus, look not on my sins, but look on what Thou
didst suffer for me.
Remember, I am a sheep of that flock for which Thou
didst lay down Thy life.
1 consent to being consumed for Thee, my Jesus, Who
didst consume Thyself entirely for me.
Thou didst give Thyself entirely to me ; I now give
myself entirely to Thee.
My innocent Lord, Thou didst suffer for me far more
than I, a sinner, am now suffering.
My beloved Redeemer, like Magdalen I kiss Thy sacred
feet ; vouchsafe me a pardoning word.
My God ! My God ! Give me but Thy love and Thy
grace; I ask for nothing more.
My Jesus, I have repaid Thee with ingratitude ; forgive
me ; I pray Thee to punish me in this hfe rather than in
the next.
Lord Jesus Christ, by Thy sufferings when Thy pure and
innocent soul left Thy most holy body, have pity on my
poor soul w^hen it shall leave my body.
My Jesus, Thou didst die for love of me; I would die
for love of Thee.
EJACULATION OF BLESSED MARGARET MARY
O HEART of love, I place all my trust in Thee: for
though I fear all things from my weakness, I hope
all things from thy mercies.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Pius X, June 3,
1908.
Indulgenced Prayers 825
EJACULATION TO OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
Indulgence of 100 days, each time. — Pius X, July 9,
1904.
J^Smn f0r tfje Confratcrnitg of tfjc Bona fHors
Jesus ! Ever -loving Saviour
^Esus I ever-loving Saviour,
e3 Thou didst live and die for me ;
Living, I will live to love Thee,
Dying, I will die for Thee.
Jesus I Jesus !
By Thy life and death of sorrow.
Help me in my agony.
When the last dread hour approaching
Fills my guilty soul with fear,
All my sins rise up before me,
All my virtues disappear.
Jesus I Jesus I
Turn not Thou in anger from me ;
Mary I Joseph I then be near.
Kindest Jesus I Thou wert standing
By Thy foster-father's bed,
While Thy mother, softly praying,
Held her dying Joseph's head.
Jesus I Jesus !
By that death so calm and holy,
Soothe me in that hour of dread.
Mary I thou canst not forsake me,
Virgin ^lother undefiled !
Thou didst not abandon Jesus,
Dying, tortured, and reviled.
Jesus I Jesus I
Send Thy Mother to console me ;
Mary ! help thy guilty child.
826 Indulgenced Prayers
Jesus ! when in cruel anguish,
Dying on the shameful tree,
All abandoned by Thy Father,
Thou didst writhe in agony,
Jesus ! Jesus !
By those three long hours of sorrow
Thou didst purchase hope for me.
When the priest, with holy unction,
Prays for mercy and for grace,
May the tears of deep compunction
All my guilty stains efface.
Jesus ! Jesus !
Let me find in Thee a refuge,
In Thy heart a resting-place.
If my eyes have sinned by seeing,
And my hands are stained with blood,
If I sinned by taste or hearing.
If my feet in vice have stood,
Jesus ! Jesus !
Thy most pure and guiltless senses
All have suffered for my good.
Then by all that Thou didst suffer,
Grant me mercy in that day !
Help me, Mary, my sweet Mother,
Holy Joseph, near me stay !
Jesus ! Jesus !
Let me die, my lips repeating,
Jesus, mercy ! Mary, pray ! Amen.
iPrajjer for a Ssit^ person
OST merciful Jesus, Who art the consolation and sal-
vation of all who put their trust in Thee, we humbly
beseech Thee, by Thy most bitter Passion, grant the re-
covery of his (or her) health to Thy servant N.N., provided
this be for his soul's welfare, that with us he may praise
and magnify Thy holy name.
Indulgenced Prayers 827
0 Maty I Mother of our Saviour,
Virgin, most powerful,
Virgin, most merciful.
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners.
Comforter of the afflicted.
Help of Christians; Pray for him (or her).
St. Joseph, pray for him (or her).
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory he to the Father.
i^ragcr for a Deceascti i^erson
OGOD, \Miose property is ever to have mercy and to
spare, we beseech Thee on behalf of the soul of Thy
servant whom Thou hast called out of this world ; look
upon him \\\\h. pity and let him be conducted by the holy
angels to paradise, his true country. Grant that he who
believed in Thee and hoped in Thee may not be left to
suffer the pains of the purgatorial fire, but may be admitted
to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord,
Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth
world without end. .\men.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
V. Eternal rest give unto him, 0 Lord;
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.
V. May he rest in peace ;
R. Amen.
EJACULATION
My Jesus, mercy !
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX, Sept. 24, 1846.
Beati Mortui, etc.
BEATi mortui, qui in "T^lessed are the dead
Domino moriuntur. ^1-^ who die in the Lord.
O mi Deus, moriendum O my God, I have cer-
mihi est certo, sed nescio tainly to die, but I know
quando, quomodo, ubi not when, how, or where
828 Indulgenced Prayers
moriar ; hoc unum scio, me I shall die ; this only I
in geternum periturum, si in know : that if I die in
peccato lethali expirem. mortal sin, I shall be lost
Beatissima Virgo Maria, forever. Amen.
Mater Dei sancta, ora pro Most blessed Virgin Mary,
me, peccatore, nunc et in holy Mother of God, pray for
hora mortis meae. Amen. me a sinner, now and at the
hour of my death. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — Pius X, Jan. 12,
1906.
SALUTATION AND ANSWER
Praised be Jesus and Mary, now and forever.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time. — Pius IX, Sept. 26,'
1864.
EJACULATION
All for Thee, most sacred Heart of Jesus !
Indulgence of 300 days, every time. — -Pius X, Nov. 26,
1908.
'En Excellent CnUulgenceti ^^vager to tfje ^acreti Jgeart of
Jesus
QOST sacred Heart of Jesus, pour down Thy blessings
abundantly on Thy holy Church, on the Supreme
Pontiff, and on all the clergy ; grant perseverance to the
just, convert sinners, enlighten infidels, bless our parents,
friends, and benefactors, assist the dying, free the souls
in purgatory, and extend over all hearts the sweet empire
of Thy love.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius X, June 16,
1906.
A Rule of Life
829
H IRule of %iU
^^He that shall persevere to the end, he shall he saved'^
1. T^AILY Conduct. — Have a fixed hour for rising
in the morning ; bless yourself with holy water,
and as soon as possible recite devoutly your morning
prayers. During the day make at least a short meditation
or a spiritual reading. It is commendable to read daily
from the Lives of the Saints. Hear Mass ; make a visit to
the Most Blessed Sacrament and to MsiTy, the Mother of
Jesus. If you can not go to church, make your visit and
adoration at home, turning toward the nearest tabernacle
and receiving holy communion spiritually. Recite the
Angehis; say the beads. In the evening, examine your
conscience and recite your evening prayers.
2. Confession and Communion. — Receive the holy
sacraments frequently. Go as often as you can to holy
communion, with the advice of your confessor ; consult him
and submit to his direction in all affairs of importance.
When you commit any sin, make an act of contrition im-
mediately and resolve to amend ; if it is a mortal sin, con-
fess it as soon as possible.
3. Occasions of Sin. — Avoid idleness, bad companions,
low theaters and pubKc balls, round dances, immoral
books, sensational newspapers, salacious hterature, foolish
novels and romances, games of chance, and every occasion
of sin. In temptations, bless yourself, invoke the most
holy names of Jesus and Mary, and think of death. ''He
that loveth danger shall perish in it."
4. Sundays. — ''Remember that thou keep holy the
Sabbath day." Be not satisfied with hearing a Low Mass
on Sundays. Hear sermons as often as possible, and hsten
attentively to the word of God. No matter how poor an
orator a priest may be, no matter how plain his language or
how unattractive his delivery, remember that he is the
representative of Christ, and that you can always find in
every sermon sufficient matter for reflection and applica-
tion to your own life and circumstances. Never absent
A Rule of Life
yourself unnecessarily from afternoon or evening services
and benediction.
5. Pious Practices. — Keep yourself in the presence of
God. Accustom yourself to saying short ejaculatory and
indulgenced prayers. Keep a crucifix, holy pictures, and
holy water in your room. Carry your beads with you.
Wear a scapular, and a medal of the Immaculate Concep-
tion. Support your parish priest and your parish church
in all good works. Help the poor and the orphans accord-
ing to your means. Frequently think of death and eternity.
6. Blessed Virgin Mary. — If you love Jesus, you will
love and honor His blessed Mother. Be most devout to
her and daily perform some acts of piety in her honor. A
pious servant of Mary will erect a home altar in honor of
the heavenly Queen and Mother of God before which he
will recite his prayers. On our Lady's feast-days he will
place an offering of fresh flowers on this altar. Hear Mass
and receive holy communion on the great feasts of the
Blessed Virgin. Daily renew your act of consecration and
say the Memorare for a happy death. Cultivate her vir-
tues, especially purity, modesty, meekness, humility,
charity, patience, resignation to the will of God, and de-
votedness to duty.
7. Retreat. — Make a spiritual retreat once a year.
8. Spiritual Communion. — An act of spiritual communion
like the following should be made frequently, and especially
at Mass : " My Jesus, I beheve that Thou art truly present
in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. I adore Thee. I praise
Thee and thank Thee for all Thy blessings. I am sorry that
I have offended Thee by my sins. By this act I wish to
make reparation to Thee for all the insults and injuries
committed against Thee in the sacrament of Thy love. I
love Thee with my whole heart. Come to my poor soul ;
unite Thyself to me ... ►f* ... I thank Thee, my good
Jesus. Oh ! never, never leave me. Allow me not to be
separated from Thee by sin."
9. In the Hour of Death. — When you are dying, make acts
of contrition and of love. Pronounce the gweet and holy
name of " Jesus/'
A Rule of Life
831
In Life and in Death praise and be submissive to the holy
will of God.
Strive to become a saint. For " this is the will of God,
3'our sanctification."
Our Holy Father, Pope Pius X, the Vicar of Christ,
has told us in the simplest and plainest words, that all
the faithful without exception, after their first holy
communion, should be encouraged to approach the Holy
Table ever}^ day, and that the only dispositions absolutely
necessar\' to receive the Bread of Life frequently, even
every day, are the state of grace and a right intention.
The Pontifical Decree on receiving daily the [Most Holy
Eucharist (Dec. 20, 1905) says:
Frequent and daily Communion, as a thing most ear-
nestly desired by Christ Our Lord, and by the Catholic
Church, should be open to all the Faithful, of whatever
rank and condition of life ; so that no one who is in the state
of grace, and who approaches the Holy Table with a right
and devout intention, can lawfully be hindered therefrom.
A right intention consists in this : that he who ap-
proaches the Holy Table should do so, not out of routine,
or vain glor}-, or human respect, but for the purpose of
pleasing God, or being more closely united with Him by
charity, and of seeking this divine remedy for his weak-
nesses and defects.
Although it is more expedient that those who communi-
cate frequently or daily should be free from venial sins,
especially from such as are fully deliberate, and from any
affection thereto, nevertheless it is sufficient that they be
free from mortal sin, with the purpose of never sinning
mortally in future ; and, if they have this sincere purpose,
it is impossible but that daily communicants should gradu-
ally emancipate themselves from even venial sins, and
from all affection thereto.
But whereas the sacraments of the Xew Law, though
they take effect ex opere operato, nevertheless produce a
greater effect in proportion as the dispositions of the re-
cipient are better; therefore, care is to be taken that Holy
Communion be preceded by serious preparation, and fol-
832 The Art of Being Happy
lowed by a suitable thanksgiving according to each one's
strength, circumstances, and duties.
That the practice of frequent and daily communion
may be carried out with greater prudence and more abun-
dant merit, the confessor's advice should be asked. Con-
fessors, however, are to be careful not to dissuade any one
{ne quemquam avertant) from frequent and daily Com-
munion, provided that he is in a state of grace and ap-
proaches with a right intention.
Let us resolve, then, to come devoutly to the Holy Table
and to partake of the Heavenly Banquet frequently, as
frequently, indeed, as our circumstances may permit, so
that in the strength thereof we may find a remedy for our
daily venial faults and the means to constant progress in
the way of our sanctification and salvation.
Ube Hrt of Being Mapp^^
I
HAT must we do to be happy ? The thing
is not hard. Much knowledge is not
necessary for this, nor much talent, but only
a real good will to do one's duty. Happiness,
as far as it can exist here below, consists in
peace, in the joy of a good conscience. Our
conscience will be joyous and peaceful if it
know not remorse ; it will not know remorse
if we are careful not to offend God. To fly
from sin is, therefore, the chief source of
happiness on earth. If our conscience is
pure, our life will be happy. There are none
1 Translated from the French by the Rev. M, Russell, S.J.
The Art of Being Happy
833
happier than saints, for there are none more
innocent.
II
What is it that secures happiness in a home ?
Before everything else, rehgion : let all love
well our good God, let all say their prayers
morning and night, let all put their trust in di-
vine providence. In the next place, union : let
the members of the household be affectionate
toward one another, having only one heart
and one soul, not saying or doing anything
that may pain any one of them. Then again,
the spirit of sacrifice : we must be ready to do
without something in order to make another
member of the family enjoy it; we must give
up our own personal tastes to conform to the
tastes of others. Finally, pliancy of char-
acter : not to be hard to deal with, touchy,
sour, proud ; not to be obstinately rooted in
one's ideas, not to grow impatient about mere
nothings, but to have a large mind and a
generous heart. A family whose members
possess these qualities is a paradise on earth.
Ill
There is a word which can not be said too
often to every Christian whom God has des-
tined to live, converse, and labor in the society
834 The Art oj Being Happy ij
of his fellow-creatures: Be indulgent. Yes,
be indulgent; it is necessary for others, and
it is necessary for your own sake. Forget
the little troubles that others may cause you ;
keep up no resentment for the inconsiderate
or unfavorable words that may have been
said about you ; excuse the mistakes and j|
awkward blunders of which you are the '
victim ; always make out good intentions for
those who have done you any wrong by im-
prudent acts or speeches ; in a word, smile
at everything, show a pleasant face on all
occasions; maintain an inexhaustible fund
of goodness, patience, and gentleness. Thus
you will be at peace with all your brethren; |
your love for them will suffer no alteration,
and their love for you will increase day by day.
But above all, you will practise in an ex-
cellent manner Christian charity, which is
impossible without this toleration and in-
dulgence at every instant.
"I have sought for happiness in the brilliant haunts
of society, in sumptuous banquets, in the glare of
theaters. I have sought it again in the possession of
gold, in the excitement of the gaming table, in the
illusions of romance ; but all in vain — whilst an
hour passed in visiting a sick person, or in consoling
some afflicted one, has been enough to give me
enjoyment more delightful than all delights." —
Anon.
The Art of Being Happy 835
IV
Flattery is never worth anything ; but to
give a little praise at the right moment to some
one under us is an excellent way of encouraging
him and giving him a pleasure as sweet as also
it is salutary. For this a mere thank you"
is enough, an approving smile, a kind look,
or even a simple word, such as these : ^^I am
greatly pleased'' — ^'that has succeeded very
weir' — ^^this is precisely what I wanted,"
etc. Why should we always keep up an air
of indifference and coldness toward workmen,
servants, children, opening our mouths only
when we have some rebuke to give them ?
Is this charitable ? Is this Christian ? Let
us put ourselves in the place of these inferiors,
and let us be happy in making them happy.
Let us show ourselves satisfied with their
good will and make them understand that we
love them. Not only will they serve us much
better and attach themselves to us with true
devotedness, but we shall thus gain their
hearts, and it will then be easy for us to secure
their fidelity to the duties of religion and the
fulfilment of the practices of Christian piety.
V
Economy is praiseworthy ; stinginess is not :
it contracts the heart of a man and makes him
836
The Art of Being Happy
miserable. Pious persons must be on their
guard against this snare of the devil, for many-
are caught in it without knowing. Some per-
sons will give several dollars to a beggar, and
an hour after they will haggle about three
pennies with an honest workman, or go on
bargaining about some worthless object.
Pious Catholics ought not to let it be said that
they are harder and fonder of money than other
people ! they ought not to be aflflicted by or
bewail any little losses that they may suffer.
Let us be economical when there is question of
our pleasures, of our table, or of our dress ; but
let us be large-hearted and generous in all our
relations with others.
VI
A poet was gazing one day at a beautiful
rose tree. What a pity," said he, " that these
roses have thorns A man who was passing
by said to him: ^Xet us rather thank our
good God for having allowed these thorns to
have roses." Ah ! how ought we also to
thank Him for so many joys that He grants
to us in spite of our sins, instead of complain-
ing about the slight troubles that He sends
us !
The Art of Being Happy
837
VII
Let us do good, let us avoid evil, and we
shall be happy. There is but one way/'
said a man of genius, ^^of being happy and
it is to do well all one's duties."
VIII
How sweet and agreeable an occupation it is
to give pleasure to those around us ! It is
quite natural among Christians, but it be-
comes almost a duty among the members of
a family or a community, especially toward
persons whom age or rank places above us.
And, to give pleasure, what is necessary ?
Things the most insignificant, provided they
be accompanied by amiable manners ; what
is necessary above all is to have habitually
a smile on our lips. Oh ! who can tell the
power of a smile ? For ourselves, it is the
guardian of kindness, patience, tolerance, all
the virtues that we have occasion to exercise
in our relations with our neighbor. There
is, in fact, no danger of our being rude or
severe so long as a smile rests on our lips.
For others, it is a source of contentment, joy,
satisfaction, and encouragement. Without
even uttering a single word we put those
around us at their ease ; we inspire them with
838
The Art oj Being Happy
a sweet confidence, if we approach them with
a smile. Perhaps you will object that you
can not smile, that you are naturally serious
or even severe. Undeceive yourself : with
real good will you will acquire this empire over
yourself, you will soon do by custom what you
at first did by constraint ; and the interior
joy that you taste will recompense you super-
abundantly for your trouble and your efforts.
IX
A great secret for preserving peace of heart
is to do nothing with overeagerness, but to act
always calmly, without trouble or disquiet.
We are not asked to do much, but to do well.
At the Last Day God will not examine whether
we have performed a multitude of works, but
whether we have sanctified our souls in doing
them. Now the means of sanctifying our-
selves is to do everything for God and to do
perfectly whatever we have to do. The works
that have as their motive vanity or selfishness
make us neither better nor happier, and we
shall receive no reward for them.
X
"I feel happy," said a holy person, ^^in
proportion as I do my actions well.'' Let us
The Art of Being Happy
B39
meditate an instant on this luminous saying.
To do well what one has to do — here again
is the secret of being happy. Every man,
then, can be happy ; and, if we have not been
happy hitherto, it is because we have not put
this lesson into practice. But what is neces-
sary for this ? Oh, very little. To do every
action with a view of pleasing God ; to do
every action in the manner that God com-
mands, either through Himself or through
those who hold His place in our regard ; to do
every action as if we had nothing else to do
but this, and as if we were to die after having
done it.
There are some who are affable and gracious
to every one as long as things go according to
their wishes ; but if they meet with a con-
tradiction, if an accident, a reproach or even
less should trouble the serenity of their soul,
all around them must suffer the consequences.
They grow dark and cross ; very far from
keeping up the conversation by their good
humor, they answer only in monosyllables to
those who speak to them. Is this conduct
reasonable ? Is it Christian ? Let us always
be kind and good-humored, so as always to
make our brethren happy, and we shall merit
to be always made happy by God.
840
The Art of Being Happy
How to Secure It
Bishop Challoner writes in his Rules of
Life":
If you desire a happy Kfe here, as far as
this our state of banishment will allow of,
and to secure to your soul eternal happiness
hereafter, walk in the lovely paths recom-
mended by Our Lord for this end in the eight
beatitudes (Matt. v).
Be poor in spirit by taking off your heart
from the love of the world, and its mammon,
and from all anxious cares and solicitudes
about it ; and by keeping down your spirit,
by ever loving and seeking to be little and
humble.
Learn of the Lamb of God to be meek in
heart by suppressing all the disorderly risings
of passion ; endeavor to be mild in all your
words and carriage ; and never seek to return
evil for evil, but overcomie evil with good
(Rom. xii. 17, 21).
Renounce the false joys of this Babylon
of the world, and embrace the mourning of
true compunction and a penitential spirit.
Hunger and thirst after true Christian
Justice, and the fountain of it, which is God
Himself, by a perpetual and most earnest
The Art of Being Happy
841
application of your soul to the pursuit of
all virtue and perfection.
Exercise yourself diligently in the works
of Mercy both corporal and spiritual, accord-
ing to your ability ; for none but the merciful
shall find mercy (James ii. 13 ).
Be clean of heart, by seeking God with a
single eye and a single heart, purified from
all sinister intentions, and ah disorderly
aft'ections. which are apt to divide the heart,
and turn it oft' from God to the creature ; and
especially from an artful self-seeking, which
is the capital enemy of all Christian simplicity,
and the bane of all virtue.
Maintain an everlasting peace in your soul,
with your God, by keeping all His command-
ments ; with every neighbor, by refraining as
much as lies in you from anything that may
give him oft'ense, and by bearing with his
weaknesses and unreasonable passions, and
forgiving his oft'enses ; and with yourself, by
banishing far from your soul ah the enemies
of peace, such as pride and all other dis-
orderly passions and aft'ections. anxious cares,
worldly sadness and melancholy, unreason-
able fears and scruples ; and by ever keep-
ing up in your soul a perfect conformity with
the holy will of God in all events, and an en-
tire confidence in His divine Providence. Be
842 The Art oj Being Happy
also ever ready, as much as lies in you, to be
a peacemaker.
Possess your soul in patience under all the
crosses and sufferings you are liable to during
your mortal pilgrimage: yea, ^'be glad and
rejoice when you suffer for justice and con-
science' sake; assuring yourself that such
sufferings as these are the direct way to in-
conceivable and never-ending joys.
Follow these beautiful paths of true virtue
and wisdom all your life long; and your life
can not fail of being happy: but above all
other virtues, next to the love of God Himself,
ever keep up in your soul a constant love and
charity for your neighbors, in God and for,
God, according to those two divine precepts
of our great Lawgiver : ^^Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself (Matt. xxii. 39), and
^^Love ye one another, as I have loved you''
(John xiii. 34). From this love the Christian
who desires to be happy is not allowed to
except any one — no, not even his greatest
enemy.
This lovely virtue of charity in you must
be fruitful in its offspring, for it can not lie
idle in the soul ; it is a fire which dies, if you
do not keep it in motion by the daily exercise
of its proper acts, either external or internal.
^'Charity," says the Apostle (i Cor. xiii), ^'is
The Art oj Being Happy
843
patient, is kind, charity envieth not, dealeth
not perversely, is not puffed up [or self-con-
ceited], is not ambitious, is not selfish [or
covetous], is not easily provoked to anger;
thinketh no evil [that is, is not jealous or
prone to judge], rejoiceth not at iniquity [that
is, at any evil or any one's harm], but re-
joiceth with the truth, beareth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things,'' etc.
See, my soul, if charity produces these blessed
fruits in thee; if not, thou hast reason to fear
that charity is not in thee; and where
charity is not, God is not.
The life of a good Christian must be a
warfare upon earth; his soul is surrounded
with mortal enemies, against whom he must
fight his way to heaven : — the devil, the
world, and especially his own corrupt inclina-
tions, disorderly passions, and lusts. These he
must continually oppose and suppress.
Hence arises the necessity of that self-
denial and mortification, which is so much
insisted upon in the word of God, and which
Our Lord requires as the first and most essen-
tial condition of being His true disciples :
^^If any man will come after Me let him deny
himself" (Matt. xvi. 24), and as He expresses
Himself elsewhere, he must ^^hate his own
soul in this world if he would save it to life
844
The Art of Being Happy
eternar^ (John xii. 25); with this self-denial
He joins two other necessary articles, viz., of
taking up our crosses and of following Him,
by an imitation of His life and conversion.
Hence the evil of Self-love, opposite to the
virtue of Self-denial, is that which above all
others the Christian must continually labor
to extirpate, as being not only the worst of
them all and the most deeply rooted in our
corrupt nature, but also the mother and nurse
of all other vices. For by Self-love is meant
that inordinate desire to please ourselves, to
gratify our own humors and inclinations, and
to follow our own will, which is the capital
enemy of the reign of the love of God, inas-
much as it sets up the idol Self in opposition
to the living God, and upon all occasions is
ever ready to make a sacrifice of all other
things, and even of the honor, the pleasure,
and the will of God, to this darling idol, the
worship of which has been the damnation of
more souls than any other idolatry whatso-
ever.
From this root of our Self-love or disorderly
inclinations to gratify ourselves, all the seven
capital vices branch out : extirpate this root,
and you will put an end to the reign of sin,
and stop up all the avenues of hell, and estab-
lish a heaven upon earth by the reign of true
The Art of Being Happy 845
liberty, solid peace, universal charity, un-
feigned piety, and perfect conformity with
the will of God : for none of these virtues
can stand their ground where Self-love or any
of its imps are allowed to reign. Against this
monster, therefore, the good Christian must
fight till death, if he hopes to receive the
crown of life.
The first and worst of the branches of Self-
love is the vice of Pride, which is a fondness or
conceit of one's own S elf -excellence ; and an
ascribing or appropriating to one^s self what
belongs to God. To this vice Vain-glory is
near akin, which loves its own glory better
than the glory of God. Then follows the vice
of Covetousness, which is an inordinate Self-
seeking in point of interest or worldly mam-
mon, and the vice of Lust, which seeks to
gratify Self by unlawful carnal pleasures.
The other capital vices are, Ajiger, which also
includes mxalice, hatred, etc., and seeks to
gratify Self in the way of revenge ; Gluttony,
or intemperance, which gratifies Self in eating
and drinking to excess; Envy, which out of
love to Self repines at the advantages of our
neighbor ; and Sloth, which indulges Self by
a loathing to take any pains in the love and
service of God, and in securing the salvation
of the soul.
846
The Art of Being Happy
Against all these vices the Christian must
watch and pray during the whole time of his
mortal pilgrimage, and oppose against them
the armor prescribed by the Apostle (Eph.
vi. 13, etc.), more especially the shield of a
lively faith, frequent meditations on divine
truths, a great devotion to the Passion of Our
Lord, an entire distrust in himself, and a
strong confidence in Jesus Christ, joined with
a frequent and worthy approaching to the
sacraments, and a diligence in all other spiri-
tual exercises.
The remembrance also of the four last
things — Death, Judgment, Heaven, and
Hell — must be recommended to the Chris-
tian soldier in this warfare ; as also a diligent
calling on those powerful auxiliaries, the
Blessed Virgin and all the angelic spirits and
glorified saints, as intercessors through Jesus
Christ, and appointed by Him to assist us
against our spiritual enemies.
Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord'' (Apoc. xiv. 13).
Flashlights from Holy Writ 847
jflasbUgbts from Ibol^ Mrit
DaUis Melp6 tor Bail^ IReeDs
first Saj
BUT one thing is necessary (Luke x. 42).
What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole
world and suffer the loss of his soul ? Or what shall
a man give in exchange for his soul ? (Mark viii) .
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it
entered into the heart of man what things God hath
prepared for them that love Him (Cor. ii. 9).
Scconti Bag
UFFiciEXT for the day is the evil thereof. Be not
therefore solicitous for to-morrow ; for the mor-
row will be solicitous for itself. If the grass of the
field which is to-day — and to-morrow is cast into
the oven — God doth so clothe : how much more you,
0 ye of little faith ? Seek ye, therefore, first the king-
dom of God, and His justice, and all these things shall
be added unto you (Matt. vii).
If God be for us, who is against us ? (Rom. viii. 31).
He that feareth man shall quickly fall ; he that
trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high (Prov. xxix.
25).
Who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of
good? (Pet. iii. 13).
Take courage and be strong ; fear not and be not
dismayed : because the Lord thy God is with thee
in all things (Jos. i. q).
He will overshadow thee with His shoulders : and
under His wings thou shalt trust (Ps. xl).
848 Flashlights from Holy V/rit
I have put my trust in Thee, O Lord ; I said : Thou
art my God: my lots are in Thy hands (Ps. xxx).
The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall want nothing.
Though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evils ; for Thou (O Lord) art with
me. And Thy mercy will follow me all the days of
my life (Ps. xxii) .
EORD, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle?
Or who shall rest in Thy holy hill ?
He that walketh without blemish, and worketh
justice.
He that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath not
used deceit in his tongue; nor hath done evil to his
neighbor. He that sweareth to his neighbor and
deceiveth not ; he that hath not put out his money
to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent. He
that doth these things shall not be moved forever
(Ps. xiv).
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in
the law of the Lord (Ps. cxviii. i).
Venerable old age is not that of long time — nor
counted by the number of years ... a spotless life
is old age (Wisd. iv. 8, 9).
My son, give me thy heart ; and let thy eyes keep
my ways (Prov. xxiii. 26).
Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God
(Matt. V. 8).
jFourtfj Bag
JOYFUL mind maketh age flourishing ; a sorrow-
ful spirit drieth up the bones. Better is a dry
morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with
strife (Prov. xvii).
Flashlights from Holy W fit 849
Rejoice in the Lord always ; again I say, rejoice
(Phil. iv. 4).
Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; instant
in prayer (Rom. xii. 12).
Rich or poor, if his heart is good, his countenance
shall be cheerful at all times (Ecclus. xxvi. 4).
The joyfulness of the heart is the life of a man, and
a never-failing treasure of holiness; and the joy of
a man is length of life.
Have pity on thy own soul — pleasing God — and
contain thyself ; gather up thy heart in His holiness ;
and drive away sadness far from thee (Ecclus. xxx.
23, 24).
JFtftlj JBag
HE fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, pa-
tience, benignity, goodness, longanimity (Gal. v.
22).
You shall draw waters with joy out of the Saviour's
fountains (Is. xii. 3).
My son, keep thy soul in meekness (Ecclus. x. 31).
In your patience, you shall possess your souls
(Luke xxi. 19).
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so you shall
fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. vi. 2).
As silver is tried by fire, and gold in the furnace,
so the Lord trieth the hearts (Prov. xvii) .
And we know that to them that love God, all things
work together unto good (Rom. viii. 28).
CCORDiNG to Him, that hath called you. Who is
holy, be you also in all manner of conversation
holy, because it is written : You shall he holy, for I am
holy; and if you invoke as Father Him Who without
850 Flashlights from Holy Writ
respect of persons judgeth according to every one's
work, converse in fear during the time of your sojourn-
ing here. Purifying your souls in the obedience of
charity, with a brotherly love, from a sincere heart
love one another earnestly (i Pet. i. 15-22).
Master, which is the great commandment in the
law ? Jesus said to him : Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole
soul, and with thy whole mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
And the second is like to this : Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself (Matt. xxii. 36-39).
^ebentfj JBag
aHARiTY is patient, is kind. Charity envieth not,
dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, is not
ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to
anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but
rejoiceth with the truth, beareth all things, believeth
all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never falleth away (i Cor. xiii. 4-8).
I say to you : Love your enemies ; do good to them
that hate you ; and pray for them that persecute and
calumniate you, that you may be the children of your
Father Who is in heaven.. Who maketh His sun to
rise upon the good and bad, and raineth upon the just
and unjust (Matt. v. 44, 45).
If you will forgive men their offences, your heav-
enly Father will forgive you also your offences. But
if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father
forgive you your offences (Matt. vi. 14, 15).
If you love them that love you, what reward shall
you have? Do not even the publicans this? And
if you salute your brethren only, what do you more ?
Flashlights from Holy Writ 851
Do not also the heathens this ? Be you, therefore,
perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect (Matt.
V. 46-48).
iEtgl}tt} IBag
IT is appointed unto men once to die — and after
this the judgment ! (Heb. ix. 27).
Now the sting of death is sin (i Cor. xv. 56).
In all thy works, remember thy last end, and thou
shalt never sin (Ecclus. vii. 40).
Nmtlj IBag
I HEARD a voice from heaven, saying to me : Write :
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ; for their
works follow them (Apoc. xiv. 13).
Remember thy last things, and let enmity cease
(Ecclus. xxviii. 6).
Remember my judgment ; for thine also shall be
so : yesterday for me, and to-day for thee (Ecclus.
xxxviii. 23).
What things a man shall sow, those also shall he
reap. In doing good let us not fail ; for in due time
we shall reap, not failing (Gal. vi. 8, 9).
The King answering, shall say to them : Amen,
I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these. My
least brethren, you did it to Me (Matt. xxv. 40).
And they that have done good things, shall come
forth unto the resurrection of life ; but they that have
done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment (John v.
29).
Cent!} Dag
BLESSED be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who according to His great m^ercy, hath
regenerated us into a lively hope, by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead.
852 Flashlights from Holy Writ
Unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled,
and that cannot fade — reserved in heaven for you
(i Pet. i. 3, 4).
Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God . . .
The dwelling in thee is, as it were, of all rejoicing (Ps.
Ixxxvi. 3, 7).
He shall cast death down headlong forever : and
the Lord God shall wipe away tears from every face
(Is. XXV. 8).
They shall be inebriated with the plenty of Thy
house; Thou (O Lord God) shalt make them drink
of the torrent of Thy pleasure (Ps. xxxv. 9).
3Eleijentfj Bag
IF thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off. It is better
for thee to enter lame into life everlasting, than
having two feet, to be cast into the hell of unquench-
able fire: where their worm dieth not (Mark ix. 44).
Labor not for the meat which perisheth but for that
which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son
of man will give you (John vi. 27).
Everyone that strive th for the mastery, refraineth
himself from all things ; and they indeed that they
may receive a corruptible crown ; but we an incor-
ruptible one (i Cor. ix. 25).
Humble thy spirit very much ; for the vengeance
on the flesh of the ungodly is fire and worms (Ecclus.
vii. 19).
Ebjelftfj Bag
/T\y son, prove thy soul in thy hfe; and if it be
wicked, give it no power (Ecclus. xxxvii. 30).
The patient man is better than the valiant : and
he that ruleth his spirit (better) than he that taketh
cities (Prov. xvi. 32).
Flashlights from Holy Writ 853
They that are Christ's have crucified their flesh
with the vices and concupiscences (Gal. v. 24).
Jesus said to His disciples : If any man will come
after Me let him deny himself, and take up his cross
and follow Me (]\Iatt. xxiv).
Cijtrtrrntfj Bag
EEARN of Me, for I am m.eek and humble of Heart;
and you shall find rest for your souls (Matt,
xi. 29).
My son, do thy works in meekness, and thou shalt
be beloved above the glory of men. The greater thou
art, the more humble thyself in all things, and thou
shalt find grace before God : for great is the power of
God alone, and He is honored by the humble (Ecclus.
iii. 19-21).
Jesus said : You know^ that the princes of the Gen-
tiles lord it over them ; and they that are the greater
exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among
you ; but whosoever will be the greater among you,
let him be your minister : And he that will be first
among you shall be your servant. Even as the Son
of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to min-
ister, and to give His life a redem_ption for many
(Matt. XX. 25-28).
You call me IMaster and Lord ; and you say well,
for so I am. If, then, I being your Lord and Master
have washed your feet, you also ought to v\'ash one
another's feet. For I have given you an example,
that as I have done, so you do also (John xiii. 13-15).
Jourterntlj Dag
HE Lord will reward me according to my justice,
and will repay me according to the cleanness of
my hands (Ps. xvii. 21).
8S4 Flashlights from Holy Writ
Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you
(Heb. xiii. i).
And let us consider one another, to provoke unto
charity, and to good works (Heb. x. 24).
But thou, why judgest thou thy brother ? or thou,
why dost thou despise thy brother ? For we shall all
stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. xiv.
10).
Everyone shall help his neighbor, and shall say to
his brother : Be of good courage (Is. xh. 6).
jfiftcrntfj IBas
^J^HE beginning of a good way is to do justice (Prov.
xvi. 5).
The Lord is only for them that wait upon Him in
the way of truth and justice (Ecclus. xl. 12).
Pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience,
mildness (i Tim. vi. 9).
^titeentf) Bag
/^RIEF in the heart of a man shall bring him low,
^& but with a good word he shall be made glad
(Prov. xii. 25).
Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain
mercy (Matt. v. 7).
Be ye kind one to another : merciful, forgiving one
another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ
(Eph. iv. 32).
Y son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint,
and when thou givest anything, add not grief
by an evil word. Shall not the dew assuage the heat ?
Flashlights from Holy Writ 855
So also the good word is better than the gift. Lo,
is not a good word better than a gift ? but both are
with a justified man (Ecclus. xviii. 15-17).
All things, therefore, whatsoever you would that
men should do to you — do you also to them (Matt,
vii. 12).
lEtgfjtcentij Bag
UDGMENT without mercy to him that hath not done
mercy. And mercy exalteth itself above judg-
ment (James ii. 13).
Whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little
ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a dis-
ciple. Amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his
reward (Matt. x. 42).
God is compassionate and merciful, and will forgive
sins in the day of tribulation. And He is a protector
of all that seek Him in truth (Ecclus. ii. 13).
Nmeteentlj iBag
RAISE ye the Lord, for the Lord is good : Sing ye
to His name, for it is sweet (Ps. cxxxiv. 3).
Glory ye in His holy name (Ps. civ. 3).
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God
in vain (Ex. xx. 7).
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made
heaven and earth (Ps. cxxiii. 8).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower ; the just
runneth to it and shall be exalted (Prov. xviii. 10).
And it shall come to pass that everyone that shall
I call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel
ii. 33).
856 Flashlights from Holy Writ
^bjentictfj Bag
BIGHT the good fight of faith (i Tim. vi. i).
But he that shall deny Me before men, I will
also deny him before My Father Who is in heaven
(Matt. X. 33).
Who art thou that thou shouldst be afraid of mortal
man, who shall wither away like grass? (Is. li. 12).
Behold, I command thee, take courage and be
strong ; fear not, and be not dismayed ; because the
Lord thy God is with thee in all things (Jos. i. 9).
The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my de-
liverer. My God is my helper, and in Him will I put
my trust (Ps. xvii. 2, 3).
IF a man love justice, his labors have great virtues ;
for she teacheth temperance, and prudence^ and
justice, ?ind fortitude, which are such things as men can
have nothing more profitable in life (Wisd. viii. 7).
Get wisdom because it is better than gold ; and
purchase prudence, for it is more precious than silver
(Prov. xvi. 16).
In the multitude of words, there shall not want sin ;
but he that refraineth his lips is most wise (Prov. xi. 9).
A mild answer breaketh wrath ; but a harsh word
stirreth up fury (Prov. xv. i).
BE sober (i Pet. v. 8).
Take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunken-
ness (Luke xxi. 34).
Flashlights from Holy Writ 857
Drunkards shall not possess the Kingdom of God
(Cor. \d. loj.
Exceed not. and if thou sittest among many, reach
not thy hand out first. How sufficient is a little wine
for a man well taught CEcclus. xxvi. 20. 22).
Refrain yourselves from carnal desires, which war
against the soul (i Pet. ii. 11).
Keep thyself chaste (1 Tim. v. 22).
For this is the \\dll of God — your sanctification
(i Thess. iv. 3).
^hjrntg^tfjtrti Dag
HE greater thou art. the more humble thyself in
all things, and thou shalt find grace before God ;
for great is the power of God alone, and He is honored
by the humble (Ecclus. iii. 20. 21).
Take all that shall be brought upon thee ; and in
thy sorrow endure : and in thy humiliation keep
patience. For gold and silver are tried in the fire,
but acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation
(Ecclus. ii. 4, 5).
ATIENCE hath a perfect work ; that you may
be perfect and entire — failing in nothing
(James i. 4).
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, you
who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of
meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted (Gal. vi. i).
Do thy works in meekness, and thou shalt be be-
loved above the glory of men (Ecclus. iii. 19).
858 Flashlights from Holy Writ
^fo let your light shine before men, that they may
1^ see your good works, and glorify your Father
Who is in heaven (Matt. v. 16).
Therefore, let us follow after the things that are of
peace, and keep the things that are of edification —
one toward another (Rom. xiv. 19).
Let your modesty be known to all men (Phil. iv. 5).
Ebjentg^sixtlj Bag
EVER suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy
words ; for from it all perdition took its begin-
ning (Tob. iv. 14).
The foolish things of the world hath God chosen
that He may confound the wise (i Cor. i. 27).
Pride is hateful before God and men (Ecclus. x. 7).
^bjentg^sebentf) Sag
BE angry and sin not : let not the sun go down
upon your anger (Eph. iv. 26, 31).
Envy and anger shorten a man's days (Ecclus. iv.
35).
Be not as a lion in thy house, terrifying them of thy
household, and oppressing them that are under thee
(Ecclus. iv. 35).
Be not quickly angry; for anger resteth in the
bosom of a fool (Eccles. vii. 10).
Flashlights from Holy Writ 859
ELiGiousNESS shall keep and justify the heart ;
it shall give joy and gladness (Ecclus. i. 18).
The heart of fools is in their mouth ; and the mouth
of wise men is in their heart (Ecclus, xxiii. 17).
Godliness with contentment is great gain. Having
food, and wherewith to be covered — with these we
are content (i Tim. vi. 6, 8).
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than
great treasures without content (Prov. xv. 16).
Chjentg-ntntfi Sag
MEN, amen, I say to you, if you ask the Father
anything in IMy name, He will give it you (John
xvi. 23). I can do all things in Him Who strengthen-
eth me (Phil. iv. 13). The Lord is nigh unto all them
that call upon Him ; to all that call upon Him in
truth. He mil do the will of them that fear Him, and
He will hear their prayer and save them (Ps. cxliv.
18, 19). "By prayer," says St. Bonaventure, "is
obtained the possession of every good, and deliverance
from every evil."
He hath regard to the prayer of the humble (Ps.
ci. 18). God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to
the humble (James iv. 6). The prayer of him that
humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds; . . . and
he will not depart till the Most High behold (Ecclus.
I XXXV. 21). x\ contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou
!| wilt not despise (Ps. 1. 19). Thou Who savest them
' that trust in Thee (Ibid. xvi. 7). Because he hath
hoped in Me, ... I will deliver him and I will glorify
him (Ibid. xc. 14, 15). But they that hope in the
Lord, shaU renew their strength (Is. xl. 31). No one
86o Flashlights from Holy Writ
hath hoped in the Lord, and hath been confounded
(Ecclus. ii. ii). They that trust in the Lord shall be
as Mount Sion (Ps. cxxiv. i). Let Thy mercy, O
Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in Thee (Ps.
xxxii. 22). j
^Jjivttetf) Bag
EET love be without dissimulation, hating that
which is evil, cleaving to that which is good
(Rom. xii. 9). Be not wise in your own conceit. If
it be possible, as much as in you, have peace with all
men (Rom. xii. 16, 18).
With all thy soul fear the Lord, and reverence His
priests. Before thou inquire, blame no man; and
when thou hast inquired, reprove justly. Stretch i
out thy hand to the poor, that thy expiation and thy
blessing may be perfected. Strive not with a man that
is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
Despise not a just man that is poor, and do not mag-
nify a sinful man that is rich. Believe not every
word. There is one that slippeth with the tongue,
but not from his heart. For who is there that hath
not offended with his tongue ?
Gold is a stumbling block to them that sacrifice to
it ; woe to them that eagerly follow after it, and every
fool shall perish by it. Many have been brought to
fall for gold, and the beauty thereof hath been their
ruin (Ecclus.).
Love not the world, nor the things which are in the
world. If any man love the world, the charity of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence
of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the
Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth
away, and the concupiscence thereof : but he that doth
the will of God, abideth forever (Johnii. 15, 17).
Flashlights from Holy Writ 86i
Cfjtrts^ftrst Bag
HATSOE\'ER thy hand is able to do, do it earnestly
(Eccles. ix. lo).
He hath done all things well (IMark vii. 37).
Not serving to the eye as it were pleasing to men,
but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God
(Eph. vi. 7).
Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you
do: do all things for the glory of God (i Cor. x. 31).
^Miatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. iii. 17).
Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the
only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen (i Tim. i. 17).
^55ijcn tlje I^ourneg of Eifc is ^'tr
^1 loRD, when the journey of life is o'er,
« I A And I lie on my bed of pain,
Oh grant that my spirit a solace may jQ.nd
In the sound of Thy blessed name.
And when the vision of earth grows dim,
And the darkness of death is nigh,
O Lord, ^^ilt Thou send an angel to me
With light from Thy home on high ?
When closed are my ears to all earthly sounds,
And they hear not word nor prayer,
O Lord, wilt Thou open Thy Heart to me,
.\nd give me a shelter there ?
When wrenched at length are all earthly ties,
And I part from this body of sin,
Dear Lord, when I knock at the heavenly gate,
Wilt Thou bid me enter in ?
Hymns
And when my trembling spirit shall stand
At the dreaded judgment seat,
O Lord, wilt Thou let me bend to kiss
The wounds of Thy sacred feet ?
— Leaflets.
lust for ^o^lBag
' I ' ORD, for to-morrow and its needs
, 1 A I do not pray ;
Keep me, my God, from stain of sin
Just for to-day.
Let me both dihgently work
And duly pray ;
Let me be kind in word and deed
Just for to-day.
Let me be slow to do my will,
Prompt to obey ;
Help me to mortify my flesh
Just for to-day.
Let me no wrong or idle word,
Unthinking, say;
Set Thou a seal upon my lips
Just for to-day.
Let me in season. Lord, be grave.
In season gay ;
Let me be faithful to Thy grace
Just for to-day.
And if to-day my tide of life
Should ebb away,
Give me Thy sacraments divine.
Dear Lord, to-day.
In Purgatory's cleansing fires
Brief be my stay ;
Oh, bid me, if to-day I die.
Go home to-day.
Hymns
863
So, for to-morrow and its needs
I do not pray ;
But keep me. guide me, love me. Lord,
Just for to-day.
— Sister Xavier.
(Bm ilittlf 5fmt of a ?^apps ILtfr
ONE secret of a sweet and happy Christian hfe is learn-
ing to live by the day. It is the long stretches that
tire us. We think of hfe as a whole, running on for us. We
can not earn,- this load until we are threescore and ten.
We can not fight this battle continually for half a centur}'.
But really there are no long stretches. Life does not come
to us all at one time ; it comes only a day at a time. Even
to-morrow is never ours until it becomes to-day. and we
have nothing whatever to do \^'ith it but to pass down to it
a fair and good inheritance in to-day's work well done, and
to-day's life well lived.
It is a blessed secret this, of living by the day. Any one
can carr}^ his burden, however hea\y, till nightfall. Any
one can do his work, however hard, for one day. Any
one can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, until the
sun goes doA^m. And this is all hfe ever means to us — ■
just one httle day. ''Do to-day"s duty; fight to-day's
temptations, and do not weaken or distract yourself by
looking forward to things you can not see, and could not
understand if you sav\' them,."' God gives us nights to
shut down upon our little days. We can not see beyond.
Short horizons make life easier and give us one of the
blessed secrets of brave, true, holy living.
3£5u Qrrus 3ngrltrum
OjESL'S ! Thou the beauty art
Of angel worlds above ;
Thy name is music to the heart.
Enchanting it with love.
864
Hymns
Celestial sweetness unalloy'd !
Who eat Thee hunger still ;
Who drink of Thee still feel a void,
Which naught but Thou can fill.
O my sweet Jesus I hear the sighs
Which unto Thee I send ;
To Thee mine inmost spirit cries,
My being's hope and end !
Stay with us, Lord, and wixh Thy light
Illumine the soul's abyss ;
Scatter the darkness of our night,
x\nd fill the world with bliss.
O Jesus I spotless \^irgin flower !
Our fife and joy I to Thee
Be praise, beatitude, and power,
Through all eternity.
— Father Caswall in Lyra Catholica.
EAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
The night is dark, and I am far from home.
Keep Thou my feet ; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, — one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on !
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears.
Pride ruled my will : remember not past years.
ILcatr, Ittntilg Htgljt
Lead Thou me on !
Lead Thou me on I
Hymns
86s
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone ;
And wath the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
— Cardinal Ne^\'man.
Angels
KixD Angel Guardian, thanks to thee
For thy so watchful care of me ;
Oh, lead me still in ways of truth.
Dear guide of childhood and of youth.
Kind Angel Guardian, let my tears
Implore thee too for riper years ;
Oh, keep me safe in wisdom's way,
And bring me back if I should stray.
When angry passions fill my soul,
Subdue them to thy meek control ;
Through good and ill, oh, ever be
A guide, a guard, a friend to me.
And when death's hand shall seal mine eyes,
Oh, bear my spirit to the skies.
And teach me there my voice to raise
In hymns of never-ending praise.
— Sister M. J.
Suartiian ^ngel ?^gmn
*T^EAR Angel I ever at my side,
fJLj How loving must thou be.
To leave thy home in Heaven to guard
A sinful child like me.
Thy beautiful and shining face
I see not, though so near ;
The sweetness of thy soft low voice
I am too deaf to hear.
866
Hymns
But I have felt thee in my thoughts
Fighting with sin for me ;
And when my heart loves God, I know
The sweetness is from thee.
And when, dear Spirit ! I kneel down
Morning and night to prayer.
Something there is wdthin my heart
Which tells me thou art there.
Yes ! when I pray thou prayest too,
Thy prayer is all for me ;
But when I sleep, thou sleepest not,
But watchest patiently.
Then, for thy sake, dear Angel ! now
More humble will I be :
But I am weak, and when I fall,
Oh, weary not of me !
Oh, weary not, but love me still.
For Mary's sake, thy Queen ;
She never tired of me, though I
Her worst of sons have been.
Then love me, love me. Angel dear !
And I will love thee more ;
And help me when my soul is cast
Upon the eternal shore.
— Father Faber.
O PARADISE ! O Paradise !
Who doth not crave for rest ?
Who would not seek the happy land,
Where they that loved are blest ;
Where loyal hearts, and true,
Stand ever in the light,
All rapture through and through,
In God's most holy sight ?
Bymns
867
O Paradise ! O Paradise !
The world is growing old ;
Who would not be at rest and free
Where love is never cold ?
O Paradise ! O Paradise !
Wherefore doth death delay,
Bright death, that is the welcome dawn
Of our eternal day.
0 Paradise ! O Paradise !
'Tis weary waiting here ;
1 long to be where Jesus is.
To feel, to see Him near.
0 Paradise I O Paradise !
I want to sin no more ;
1 want to be as pure on earth
As on thy spotless shore.
O Paradise ! O Paradise !
I greatly long to see
The special place my dearest Lord
Is destining for me.
O Paradise ! O Paradise !
I feel 'twill not be long ;
Patience ! I almost think I hear
Faint fragments of thy song ;
Where loyal hearts, and true.
Stand ever in the light,
All rapture through and through.
In God's most holy sight.
— Father Faber.
ffiolg (§otJ, S5Ee iPratse ^fis Name
OLY God, we praise Thy name !
Lord of all, we bow before Thee !
All on earth Thy scepter claim.
All in heav'n above adore Thee :
868
Reflections
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
Hark ! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising !
Cherubim and seraphim
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord :
Holy ! holy ! holy Lord !
Lo ! the apostohc train
Join Thy sacred name to hallow !
Prophets swell the loud refrain,
And the white-robed martyrs follow ;
And from morn till set of sun.
Through the Church, the song goes on.
Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee,
While in essence only One,
Undivided God, we claim Thee,
And adoring bend the knee.
While we own the mystery.
Thou art King of Glory, Christ !
Son of God, yet born of Mary,
For us sinners sacrificed,
And to death a tributary :
First to break the bars of death.
Thou hast opened heaven to faith.
IReflections
*^^His is the will of God — your sanctification (i Thess.
\D iv. 3).
What things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap
(Gal. vi. 8).
The fashion of this world passeth away (i Cor. vii. 31).
What shall it profit a man, if he gain the Vv^hole world,
Reflections
869
and suffer the loss of his soul ? Or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul? (Mark \di. 36).
In all thy works remember thy last end, and thou shalt
never sin (Eccles. \\\. 40).
My son, forget not ]My law, and let thy heart keep My
commandments ; for they shall add to thee length of days,
and years of life and peace (Prov. iii. i).
The path of the just, as a shining Hght, goeth forward
and increaseth even to perfect day (Prov. iv. 18).
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast and
unmovable : always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (i Cor.
XV. 58).
He that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved
(Matt. xxiv. 13).
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed
sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile (Ps. xxxi. 2).
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the
law of the Lord (Ps. cxviii. i).
For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted
by the number of years : but the understanding of a man
is gray hairs. And a spotless life is old age (Wis. iv. 8, 9).
With the holy thou wilt be holy ; and with the innocent
man, thou wilt be innocent (Ps. xvii. 26).
Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle ? Or who shall
rest in Thy holy hill ? He that walketh without blemish,
and worketh justice ; He that speaketh truth in his heart ;
who hath not used deceit in his tongue : Xor hath done
evil to his neighbor (Ps. xiv. 1-4).
We have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is
to come (Heb. xiii. 14).
Lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven ! (Matt. vi. 20).
Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal hfe,
whereunto Thou art called (i Tim. vi. 12).
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered
into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for
them that love Him (i Cor. ii. 9).
Unto the King, eternal, immortal and invisible, the only
God, be honor and glory forever ai^d ever. Amen (i Tim.
1. 17).
mm ©Ob
iWaitms anti Counsels of faints anti ^pmtual OTntcrs
1
IF you wish to raise a lofty edifice of perfection,
take humility for your foundation. — St, Thomas
Aquinas: Sermon X.
2
a AST thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not
the judgment of man, when thy conscience
gives testimony of thy piety and innocence.
Though St. Paul endeavored to please all in the
Lord and made himself all unto all ; though he labored
for the edification and salvation of others as much as
he could — nevertheless, he could not prevent his
being sometimes judged or despised by others; yet
he made little account of his being judged by the
judgment of men (i Cor. iv. 3). He committed all
to God, Who knows all, and defended himself by
patience and humility against the tongues of those
who spoke evil, or that thought and gave out at pleas-
ure vain and faulty things of him ; however, he an-
swered them sometimes, lest his silence might give
occasion of scandal to the weak.
"Who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a
mortal man?" (Is. li. 12). To-day he is and to-
morrow he appears no more (i Mach. ii. 63). Fear
God, and thou shalt have no need of being afraid of
man. Look up to Me (to the Lord thy God) in
heaven, Who am able to deliver thee from all confu-
sion and wrongs, and to repay every one according
to his works (Matt. xvi. 27). — Thomas d Kempis:
Book III, Ch. XXXVI.
870
With God
871
3
BEAUTIFUL flower is humility ; beautiful is pa-
tience, obedience, meekness, modesty, and
every other virtue ; but the most beautiful is charity.
— Blessed Jourdain de Saxe: Letter XXXIII.
4
E is most powerful who loves most. — St.
Gregory the Great: ''Life of St. Benedict," Ch.
XXXIIL
The best of all prayers is that in which we ask
that God's holy will may be accomplished, both in
ourselves and in others. — Venerable Louis de BloiSy
O.S.B,
5
OD regards the motive and not the action. It is
not the importance of the action that He con-
siders, but the excellence of the intention, the love
which prompted it. — St. Gregory the Great, O.S.B.
6
C^o great is the goodness of God in your regard,
that, when you ask through ignorance for that
which is not beneficial, He does not grant your
prayer in this matter, but gives you something better
instead. — St, Bernard, 0. Cist.
7
love God truly one must have three hearts in
V-/ one : a heart all on fire for God ; a heart full of
charity for his neighbor ; and a heart of flint for him-
self. — Bl. Benedict Joseph Lahre.
872
With God
8
*T^APPY is he who, when praised and glorified by
r^t> others, does not regard himself as better than
when humbled and despised ; because a man is only
what he is in the eyes of God and nothing more. — St.
Francis of Assist: Minor Works, P. IV.
9
HE conquest of a city is of less importance to us
than a victory gained over ourselves. — St.
Gregory the Great, Q.S.B.
10
HE most efficacious sermon is a good example.
Nothing better convinces those spoken to than
- a practical illustration of the counsel given. — St.
Bernard, O. Cist. .; Sermons.
11
EET US never voluntarily dwell upon the faults of
others when they present themselves to our
minds ; instead of dwelling on them let us at once
consider what there is of good in these persons. . . .
No one should think or say anything of another
which he would not wish thought or said of him-
self. — St. Teresa.
True perfection consists in a perfect love of God
and our neighbor ; the more perfectly a soul observes
these two commandments, the more perfect does
she also become. — St. Teresa: ''Interior Castle,"
Ch. II.
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873
12
EET all thy care be to possess thy soul in peace
and tranquillity. Let no accident be to thee a
cause of ill humor. — St. Vincent Ferrer: " Spiritual
Treatise."
13
IT is only the devil and his followers who ought
to be sad ; we, on the contrary, should always
rejoice in the Lord. — St. Francis Assisi: '^Monastic
Conference," II.
H
IF thou art wise, expect to die every day: thus
thou shalt keep thyself always ready and happy
to depart on the great journey to thy eternal home.
— Bl. Henry Suso.
Let us always remember the Last Judgment, after
the example of St. Jerome, who, though a saint, never
lost sight of it. — 5/. Teresa: ''Mansion 6th," Ch. IX.
15
'Y^EATH is welcome to one who has always feared
God and faithfully served Him. — '' Life of St.
Teresa," Ch. XXVII.
IT is certain that no flower can bear fruit unless
it dies ; so a person will commence to bear fruit
in Jesus Christ in proportion as he renounces himself,
abandons himself, and dies to himself and to all
things. — Ven. John Tattler: Instit., Ch. XXII.
St. Francis of Assisi dwelt for entire hours upon
these words : ''My God and my All."
874
With God
17
HE four extremities of the cross are ornamented
with four precious pearls. Humihty is placed
at the foot, obedience occupies the right, patience the
left ; charity, the first and queen of virtues, burns in
letters of gold at the head. These four virtues shine
in a most striking manner in the Passion of Jesus
Christ. They are the four principal fruits which we
must gather from meditating on Jesus crucified. —
St. Bernard.
18
EET US have a great devotion to the crucifix ; let
us often fix our eyes upon the image of Christ
crucified, and meditate on the excess of His love.
Let us frequently kiss the crucifix with ardent love
and with a firm resolve to please Him in all things.
19
HE name of Jesus is an impregnable rampart.
There is no pearl, no ornament, that can be com-
pared to the name of Jesus. We sound the harp's
sweet harmonies when we pronounce the name of
Jesus. — Bl. Henry Suso: Spiritual Letters.
20
HE book of Psalms is a poem written in heaven.
Those who are able to appreciate its value be-
come angels. Had we only the Psalter, that would
sufiice during the entire course of our life for our spirit-
ual exercises, our readings, our prayers, and all other
acts of adoration and praise which we should render
to God. — Ven. Louis de Blois, O.S.B.
With God
375
21
OUR Saviour has said that it is necessary for him
who would become greater than others to make
himself the least. This is a truth all Christians be-
lieve. How is it so few conform their lives to it ? —
St. Vincent de Paid.
22
VAIN complacency, coupled with the desire that
others would speak of us and praise us, is an
evil which makes us forget God and spoils our holiest
actions. There is no vice more pernicious to those
who would make any progress in the spiritual hfe. —
St. Vincent de Paul.
23
HAT does it signify if we are calumniated, de-
spised, outraged by men, if we are innocent
before God and agreeable in His eyes ? The saints
made it their pleasure to be little and abject in the
hearts of all. — St. Teresa.
24
HE most profound degree of humility is to re-
ceive humiliations and abjections with the same
complacency that vain persons do the greatest honors.
— St. Francis de Sales.
25
/^NE of the best means to acquire humility is pro-
foundly to engrave in our minds this maxim :
Each one is really only what he is in the eyes of
God, nothing more. — Thomas d Kempis.
876
With God
26
OUR principal business should be to conquer our-
selves, and to become more perfect every day in
this practice. It is particularly necessary that we
should apply ourselves to be victorious in little temp-
tations, regarding, e.g., vivacity, suspicions, jealousy,
indolence, vanity. By so doing we shall obtain the
strength to resist greater ones. — St. Francis de Sales.
27
/T^ORTiFiCATiON of the appetite is the A B C of
N'^> the spiritual life. He who does not know
how to suppress the vice of gluttony in himself will
only with great difficulty triumph over his other
vices. He will be compelled to wage a continual war
with them, if he would not have them govern him
entirely. — St. Vincent de Paul.
28
ONE of the things which keeps us far from per-
fection is, without doubt, our tongue. When
one has arrived at that point that he does not sin
with the tongue, he is perfect, according to the Holy
Ghost. This is why we must speak little and well —
little and with simplicity, with charity, and in a
manner that will make virtue appear amiable. — St,
Francis de Sales.
29
CCORDiNG to the doctrine of the saints, one of
the principal means to lead a Christian and
exemplary life is to observe modesty of the eyes. If
there is nothing more necessary than this virtue to
With God 877
preserve piety in the soul and to edify our neighbor,
there is nothing which tends more to sensuahty and
gives more scandal than the opposite fault. — Rod-
riguez.
30
BELIEVE me, the mortification of the senses — of
the sight, the hearing, the tongue — is more
beneficial than to wear a chain of iron or a hairshirt.
— St. Francis de Sales.
31
E must above all labor to mortify, to root out
our predominant passion; I mean by this,
that inclination, that vice, that bad habit which
governs us and leads us into sin. This is the king.
When he is captured, the battle is won. — Rodriguez.
32
BT. IGNATIUS frequently said to a novice who was
of an extremely vivacious and fiery tempera-
ment: ''My son, conquer yourself, and you will
have in heaven a crown more splendid than many
others who are more meek of character." One day
the master of novices complained of him as being
unmanageable. The saint replied: ''I think he of
whom you complain has made more progress in vir-
tue in a few months than another whom you praise
so much has made in a year."
33
IT might be supposed of St. Francis de Sales that
he was of a character naturally sweet. It was by
virtue alone that he acquired this admirable sweet-
ness with which he ravished all hearts. Anger, he
878
With God
was heard to say, was the passion he had most diffi-
culty in conquering.
34
HENEVER one feels excited with too much ardor,
or is over-anxious to perform some action, no
matter how holy it may be, if it be possible, it is
better to defer it till another time, when the heart is
tranquil, lest self-love insensibly steal in and soil the
purity of our intention. — St. Vincent de Paul.
35
*y^o not think too highly of your own ideas. If
rLJ your advice is asked, give it frankly, but with
perfect indifference as to whether it be followed or
rejected. Follow rather the advice of others than
your own in all things permissible. — St. Francis de
Sales.
36
/^NE Blessed be God in the time of adversity is
worth more than / thank you said a thousand
times in prosperity. — St. John of Avila.
37
HERE is no sign more certain that one is of the
number of the elect than, while leading a Chris-
tian life, to be the subject of sufferings, desolations,
and trials. — St. Louis Gonzaga,
38
BE assured that we shall obtain more grace and
merit in one day by suffering patiently the afflic-
tions which come to us from God or from our neighbor
than we could acquire in ten years by mortifications
With God
879
and other exercises which are of our own choice. —
St. Francis de Sales.
Learn to suffer something for Jesus Christ without
letting others perceive it. — St. Teresa.
39
IF you look upon the ground at the rod which
Moses used before Pharo, it appears a frightful
serpent ; but if you regard it in the hand of Moses,
it is a wand with which he performed the greatest
prodigies. So it is with tribulations. Considered in
themselves, they are horrible ; but when one views
them in the hand of God, they become sweet and
delicious. — St. Francis de Sales.
40
EEKNESS is a virtue which supposes a noble
soul ; that is, those who possess this virtue
are superior to all one may say of them or do to
them. Though they may receive indignities from
others in word or action, they preserve their tran-
quillity and lose not their peace of soul. — St. Thomas
Aquinas.
41
HE highest degree of meekness consists in serv-
ing, honoring, and treating kindly those who are
our inferiors and who treat us with ingratitude and
insolence. — St. Francis de Sales.
42
a AN there be anything really worthy of disturbing
our peace ? Should the universe be overthrown,
I would not trouble myself. There is nothing in the
88o
With God
world that can be compared to peace of heart. Pre-
serve it at any cost. — St. Francis de Sales.
43
^^T'he remedies against anger are, first, to prevent
vJ it, if possible, or to occupy the mind with
thoughts which tend to allay the movements of the
heart when excited ; second, to imitate the Apostle,
who, in the time of tempest, had recourse to God, to
Whom it belongs to give peace to the heart ; third, to
do nothing, to say nothing, during the time the heart
is agitated, relating to that which gave rise to anger ;
fourth, to oblige ourselves to make acts of sweetness
and humility toward those with whom we are in-
clined to be angry. — St. Francis de Sales.
44
GREAT means to preserve one's peace and tran-
quillity of heart continually is to receive as
coming from the hands of God all things, whatever
they may be and in whatever manner they may come.
— St. Dorothy.
45
HOSE who make profession of following the max-
ims of Jesus Christ should greatly esteem sim-
plicity. Although, in the judgment of the wise ones
of the w^orld, there is nothing more contemptible than
simplicity, it is, nevertheless, a very amiable virtue,
because it directly conducts to the kingdom of God,
and likewise gains for us the affections of men. — ■ St
Francis de Sales.
With God
88i
46
HOSE who possess the virtue of simpHcity make
themselves loved even by those who are deceit-
ful. — St. Vincent de Paul.
47
^TiMPLiciTY is nothing else but a pure and simple
act of charity ; its only end is the love of God.
Our soul is truly simple when we have only this
end in view in all we do. — St. Francis de Sales.
48
HE ofhce of simplicity is to make us go straight
to God, without listening to human respect,
without consulting our own interest ; to make us
speak frankly and from our heart ; to make us act
simply, without any mingling of hypocrisy or artifice ;
finally, to keep us far from duphcity or deceit. — St.
Vincent de Paul.
49
OUR Lord does not measure our perfection by the
number and greatness of the w^orks we do, but
by the manner in w^hich w^e do them ; and this man-
I ner is the love with which and by which w^e perform
I them. Actions are more perfect according as the
', love with which they are performed is more pure
I and more perfect. — St. John of the Cross.
\ 50
^^^HE examination of conscience which all pious
V£/ persons are in the habit of making every night
before taking their rest is a great help, not only to
882
With God
conquer our evil inclinations, but to acquire virtue
and to perform our ordinary actions well. It is not
so much to discover the faults of which we have
been guilty during the day that we make this ex-
amen, as to conceive a lively sorrow for them, to
form the resolution not to fall again into them, to do
penance for them and, especially, to advance in vir-
tue.— Blessed John of Avila.
51
IT does not suffice to do good things. We must
do more ; we must do them well, after the ex- '
ample of Jesus Christ, of Whom it is written: ''He
hath done all things well." Let us, then, study to
perform all our actions in the spirit of Jesus Christ ;
that is, in the manner He performed His actions,
proposing to ourselves the same end, — St. Vincent de
Paul.
52
ANY persuade themselves that they have no
true sorrow for their sins if they do not prac- i
tise many and great corporal austerities. Let us
learn, nevertheless, that he does a good penance who !
studies to please God alone, at all times and in all .
things. This is a very perfect thing and of great j
merit. — St. Francis de Sales. •
)
53
HE saints arrived at sanctity by devoting them-
selves to the sanctification of all their actions ;
they did all they believed Our Lord asked of them in
the most perfect manner possible.
With God
883
54
T. John Berchmans, that servant of God who
labored continually to become a saint by per-
forming in the most perfect manner possible his ordi-
nary actions, had taken for his motto this sentence,
which he studied frequently: " PcBnitentia maxima
vita communis, ''My greatest penance is the ordinary
life." Perfection in the common life ; let that be our
aim.
55
XTERIOR occupations were not for St. IMagdalene
of Pazzi an obstacle to recollection ; they were
not even a cause of distraction. "It is the same to
me," she said one day, "whether I ami ordered to go
to pray with my Sisters in the choir or to do some
manual labor. Oftentimes I have found more of
God in work than in prayer."
56
ONE of the great obstacles to the well-doing of
our actions is that while we do one thing we
think of another that we have done or that we are
yet to do. The manner of doing each action well is
J to give attention only to the one we are actually per-
forming, doing it as perfectly as we can, and when it
is done, think no more of it, lest it prevent us from
occupying ourselves well with what we have on hand.
I — Blessed John of Avila.
i
57
y/l^,^ ^"^od agis.^^ "Do what you are doing with
^ all your heart."
884
With God
58
ONE obstacle to the goodness of our actions is pre-
cipitation. Look well to this fault, which is a
capital enemy of true devotion. No action done
with precipitation is well done. Those who are
travehng find it best to go always with an equal step.
— St. Francis de Sales.
59
BE self-possessed, said another wise director of
consciences, in all that you do. Thus you will
avoid many faults. One does that fast enough which
is well done, ^^Sat cito si sat bene.^^
60
T. VINCENT DE PAUL was Very slow to decide upon
any matter. Nevertheless, his slowness, which
to some appeared excessive, never had any bad re-
sults, never injured any affair of which he had charge.
Every one was surprised to see that he succeeded in
all he undertook. Still more, at the same time that
everything prospered with him he acquired treasures
of merit in heaven, because charity animated all that
he did for his neighbor.
61
'y i^MONG many excellent means that are given to
jv^-^ perform our actions well, I recommend this to
you : To perform each of your actions as if it were to
be the last one of your life. Ask yourself while you
do it this question : If I knew that this was the last
hour of my life, would I do it in this manner ? — St.
Vincent de Paul.
With God
885
62
LL that we do receives its value from our con-
formity to the will of God ; for instance, if I
take recreation because it is the will of God, I merit
more than if I suffered death without having that
intention. Keep well in your mind this thought,
and remember it in all your actions, in imitation of
the carpenter, who passes all the boards he uses under
the plane. It is thus you will do all with perfection.
— St. Francis de Sales.
63
IT was this truth of which a Jesuit Brother was
well convinced when he said that when at table,
taking his repast, he did as much as the apostle of
the Indies, because St. Francis Xavier in preaching
the Gospel simply did the will of God, and he him-
self accomplished that will when he was in the re-
fectory during the time the Rule required it.
64
IF it happens that you say or do something which
is not well received by all, you should not for this
reason reflect much upon it, because it is beyond a
doubt that it is self-love which makes us seek to be
approved in what we say or do. Simphcity aban-
dons to Providence the success of actions done for
Him. — St. Francis de Sales.
65
FRIEND \\\][ visit his friend in the morning to
wish him a good day; in the evening, a good
night ; taking also an opportunity to converse with
him during the day. In like manner make visits to
Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, if your duties
886
With God
permit it. It is especially at the foot of the altar that I
one prays well. In all your visits to Our Saviour,
frequently offer His precious blood to the Eternal i
Father. You will find these visits very conducive to
your growth in the knowledge and love of Our Lord. ^
- — St. Magdalene of Pazzi.
66 '
AKE frequent use of short, indulgenced prayers
and aspirations. St. Francis de Sales and St. .
Thomas Aquinas often made ejaculatory prayers.
Offer such indulgenced ejaculations frequently for the
relief of the holy souls in purgatory.
67
EET US bless God that we are children of His
Mother; let us imitate her and consider our
great happiness in having her as our patroness and
advocate. The devotions we practise in honor of the
glorious Virgin Mary, however trifling they may be,
are very pleasing to her divine Son, and He rewards
them with eternal glory. — St, Teresa: ''Book of the
Foundations,'' Ch. I.
68
EET the name of Mary be ever on your lips; let
it be indelibly engraven on your heart. If you
are under her protection, you have nothing to fear ; if
she is propitious, you will arrive at the port of sal-
vation. — St. Bernard, 0. Cist.
69
I HAVE noticed that all those who have true devo-
tion to St. Joseph and render him special honor !
are very much advanced in virtue, for he takes great ■
With God
887
care of souls who recommend themselves to him ;
and I have never asked him anything which he did
not obtain for me. — Life of St. Teresa: " Ch. VI.
70
^^^HERE is a certain manner of prayer most simple
and very useful ; it is, to be habitually in the
presence of God. And this sight of God will produce
in us an intimate union with Him, a simple and per-
fect intention. Oh, how precious is this manner of
prayer ! — St. Francis de Sales.
71
IT is certain that God desires that which is most
advantageous to us much more than we desire it
ourselves. He knows better than we by what means
that which is best for us must arrive. The choice of
means is entirely in His hands, since it is He w^ho
disposes and regulates all things in the world. With
perfect trust in God, let us say: " Thy will be done!^^
— St. Augustine.
72
/ (]\ HEX we propose to undertake something belong-
ing to the service of God, having invoked His
light, and feeling assured that it is His will, we must
make use of the human means which are necessary
and proper to execute the orders of divine Providence ;
nevertheless, it is not upon these means we must rely,
but solely upon the divine assistance ; from this we
must expect success, being well persuaded that what-
ever may happen will be for our advantage. — St.
Vincent de Paid,
888
With God
73
IN our various employments and in the cares
which attend them, we must not be disquieted
nor act with haste. Devote a reasonable and moder-
ate attention to them, and then lea,ve them to divine
Providence. Be certain that when God wills that an
undertaking succeed, delay never harms it ; there is
always more of Him in proportion as there is less
of ourselves in it. — St. Vincent de Paul.
74
HE Church, in the prayers in which she invokes
St. Ignatius Loyola, makes us understand that
the true and distinctive character of this saint was to
do all for the greater glory of God, and indeed he con-
stantly inculcated upon others the importance of doing
all things Ad Major em Dei Gloriam.
Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward,
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever loving Lord!
" E'en so I love Thee, and will love.
And in Thy praise will sing.
Solely because Thou art my God
And my eternal King."
— Hymn of St. Francis Xavier.
75
EVER accept as undoubtedly true what an accuser
says, until after you have heard the accused and
found him guilty. Do not lightly condemn the
actions of others ; we must consider the intention of
our neighbor, which is often good and pure, al-
With God
889
though the act itseh' seems blameworthy. Treat
sinners as a good mother treats her sick child ; she
lavishes more caresses on her child when he is sick
than when he is well. — Bartoli.
76
HE holiest man is not he who holds the holiest
station, but he who best fulfils the duties of the
state in which divine Providence has placed him. —
St. Lidwine.
77
HE best perfection is to do ordinary things in a
perfect manner. Constant fidelity in little
things is a great and heroic virtue. — St. Bonaventure.
Striving after perfection is only another way of
saying ''self-conquest.'' — Fr. Dignam, S.J,
78
BLESSED are the actions enclosed between two
Hail Mary's ! — St. Alphonsus Liguori.
"May Thy will be done ! " That is what the saints
had continually on their lips and in their hearts. —
St. Alphonsus: ''Advice to Religious."
79
LL perfection consists in the love of God ; and
the perfection of divine love consists in the
union of our will with that of God. — St. Alphonsus:
" Conformity to the Will of God," § i.
SO
HE ejaculatory prayers most pleasing to God are
acts of love, resignation, and offering of one's self.
— '^True Spouse": Ch. XX.
8go
With God
May the two names, so sweet and so powerful, of
Jesus and Mary, be always in our hearts and on our
hps. — " Glories of Mary Pt. I, Ch. X.
81
I HAVE before me, while writing, the picture of a
young man clad in cassock and surplice ; a man
of lean, ascetic face ; who holds in his hand a crucifix,
and stands by a table on which rest a discarded
coronet and a penitential scourge. Beneath the pic-
ture are the words, ^^Quid hoc ad ceternitatem?^^
The picture is familiar to all of us, and represents
that great saint and universal patron of Catholic
youth, Aloysius Gonzaga. The legend under it is a
pet saying of Aloysius, a pertinent question applied
by him to the thousand and one minutiae of daily
life — ^^How does this look in the light of eternity
We can imagine this boy saint, as he passed through
the streets of Rome on his way to or from school, or
to some hospital or church. An unbeliever would
be chilled at his constraint and austerity. '^Another
example of monkish, Catholic gloom — a zealot, a
fanatic; a man bereft of all sanity or humaneness,
looking at life in warped, crabbed manner!" Yet
the unbeliever would be the fanatic, the narrow-
minded man ; and Aloysius the humorist. For if the
gorge of our spectator-friend rose ; if he gave ex-
pression to his scorn in words ; if even he spat upon
this Jesuit bigot, Aloysius would have said to him-
self, "Quid hoc ad ceternitatem?^'' and would have
gone on his way with a smile, making merry in his
heart. — William T. Kane. S.J,, in American Eccle-
siastical Review.
With God
891
S2
T. PAUL admonishes us: ''Rejoice in the Lord
always: again, I say, rejoice!'' (Phil. iv. 4).
And the Prophet Habacuc sings: "I will rejoice in
the Lord, and I will joy in God my Jesus. The
Lord God is my strength and He will make my feet
like the feet of harts ; and He, the Conqueror, will
lead me upon my high places singing psalms" (Ha-
bac. iii. 18, 19). There is an apostolate of cheerjul-
ness as well as of prayer and of preaching by word
and example. Like a sweet, fragrant flower b}^ the
roadside, whose bright loveliness is a joy to every
one who passes by, our cheerfulness is a blessing to
all with whom we come in contact.
83
*Tnr* GENTLE writer urging us to encourage others
cJ^-^ with cheerful kindness says: "You would not
leave those plants in your window without water, or re-
fuse to open the shutters that the sunlight might fall
upon them, but you leave some human flower to suf-
fer for want of appreciation or the sunlight of en-
couragement. Utter the kind word when you can.
Give the helping praise when you see that it is de-
served. The thought that 'no one knows and no
one cares' blights many a bud of promise."
84
LA GLAD heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but
iv^-'-* by grief of mind the spirit is cast down " fProv.
XV. 13). "A joyful mind maketh age flourishing; a
sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones" (Prov. xvii. 22).
892
With God
We can all acquire greater cheerfulness by assum-
ing the right mental attitude toward our environ-
ment and circumstances, by looking habitually at the
bright side of things, by training ourselves persist-
ently to see the good and pleasant things in our com-
mon daily life.
85
BOME persons seem to have eyes only for the dis-
agreeable things that happen to come into their
life ; they forget or overlook their blessings, and
brood over their trials and misfortunes.
The soothing line in " The Rainy Day "Behind
the clouds is the sun still shining," does not comfort
them. Stevenson says :
"Two men looked out through their prison bars;
The one saw mud and the other stars."
Let us learn to look at life not to find misery and
discomfort in it, but to find goodness, gladness, and
beauty. Let us resolve to be cheerful and amiable at
all times and under all circumstances. By keeping
this resolution we shall glorify God, gain much merit
ourselves, and be a blessing to others.
"Stone walls do not a prison make
Nor iron bars a cage ;
Minds innocent and quiet take
That for an hermitage."
— Lovelace.
86
'toothing is so apt to give us uneasiness and trouble
r^G as the judgments and observations of others
concerning us. We consider it a happiness to please
With God 893
men, and a misfortune to meet with their contempt :
and yet what is the esteem or the frown of the world
but a shadow, a smoke, a vapor which passes away,
and adds nothing to what we really are or ought to
be ? Whatever we are in the eyes of God, so much
are we and no more, and therefore we should make
no account of the favorable or mean opinions of
others.
O human respect ! when wilt thou give place to
the reverence which we owe to God ? Alas ! how do
human considerations destroy in us all that is pleas-
ing to Him ! Instead of inquiring what will be most
pleasing to Jesus Christ, we think only of what others
will say of us. But is it not better to obey God
rather than men, to please Him rather than to please
the world ? Why, then, do we not endeavor to
do so?
87
o fear death, and not to avoid sin, which alone
can make it really terrible, is to fear it unavail-
ably for salvation ; for, as Christians, we ought to
dread it so as to make the fear of it the motive and
rule of a good life. The great secret of dying happily
is to live always in the same state in which we hope
to die, and in which we desire that God may find us
when our last hour shall have arrived. We should
therefore do all the good and practise all the virtues
now which we shall then wish to have done and prac-
tised. Endeavor to die daily to some one of all
those things which, when thou departest hence, thou
must leave forever. Happy the Christian who dies
often in spirit ere he quits the flesh. His death shall
be holy and precious in the sight of God.
894
With God
88
OD is the center of our hearts, says St. Augustine,
and we can not rest till we rest in God ; that
Is, so long as we are attached to ourselves and to
creatures, we seek happiness where it is not to be
found, out of God. We should therefore withdraw
our hearts from all that is not God, and die to all
things else, if we would enjoy true happiness, which
can only result from an entire dedication of our souls
to God. Wherefore let us not say, with those of the
world, Happy they who possess abundance of all
things they desire, and want none of the goods and
pleasures of the earth ! Rather let us say, Blessed
is the heart for which God sufficeth ! happy the
Christian who loves that only now which he shall love
forever. — Challoner.
89
I ALWAYS find almost all the wisdom I need in "St.
Teresa's Book-Mark." It is a volume in itself.
My great comfort in distressing circumstances is that
"all things are passing." — Father Joseph Farrell,
"Lectures of a Certain Professor.''
*n| — 'et nothing disturb thee,
J—* Let nothing affright thee.
All things are passing ;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who hath God wanteth nothing —
Alone God sufficeth.
— St. Teresa.
With God
89s
90
✓jS'VERY human being is continually panting for hap-
1 Vj[ piness; the good and the wicked are alike desir-
ous of gaining it, but they seek for it by different
means. Christ, therefore, commences His Sermon
on the Mount with the Beatitudes, as if He were to
say, you all desire to be happy; listen then, and I
will point out the ways that lead to felicity. Do you,
therefore, take care to set your affections on this true
happiness, and seek for it by the means which Christ
points out. Christ honored eight virtues, which are
contemptible in the eyes of the world, with the titles
of beatitudes. He has made these so many steps
! by which we may ascend to heaven in order to enjoy
' our ultimate and everlasting happiness. These are
poverty of spirit, meekness, sorrow for sins, hunger
and thirst after justice, mercy, purity of heart, the
making of peace both with God and men, and the
suffering of persecutions for Christ's sake. You must
ascend these steps, if you wish to enter into the joys
of your Lord. "Blessed is the man whose help is
from Thee; in his heart he hath disposed to ascend
by steps'' (Ps. Ixxxiii. 6). — Baxter: '^Meditations.''
91
/T\editate often and seriously on the happiness of
A^-s heaven. Such meditations, besides deepening
our knowledge of God, and of the things He has pre-
pared for those who love Him, have a wonderful
power of detaching our hearts from the transitory
, .pleasures and honors of this world. They, more-
' over, create in our soul an unquenchable thirst for
the vision and possession of God, while they infuse
into us a new courage to battle manfully against all
896
With God
the obstacles which beset our path in the practice of
virtue.
92
BUCH meditations fill us, moreover, with a laud-
able and noble ambition of reaching a high degree
of union with God. This was the ambition of the
saints, and it should be ours also. It was this desire
of a most intimate union with God that caused them
to deny themselves even the most innocent pleasures
of this world, and to undergo sufferings, the bare
recital of which makes our poor nature shudder.
They knew that "our present tribulation, which is
momentary and light, worketh for us above measure
exceedingly an eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. iv.
17). — Boudreaux: "The Happiness of Heaven."
93
*T !abor incessantly for that "inheritance incor-
< ■ ^ ruptible, undefiled, that can not fade, reserved
in heaven for you" (i Pet. i. 4). "Be faithful unto
death," says Our Lord Jesus Christ, "and I will give
thee the crown of life" (Apoc. ii. 10).
Tntra tua vulnera ahsconde w^." Within Thy
^ wounds hide me. As of old Moses hid in the
cleft of the rock and was there protected by God's
right hand, so may I be hidden in Thy sacred wounds,
the clefts in the Rock of ages. Within Thy wounds,
hide me. Saviour, that henceforth my life may be
hidden with Thee in God. — Madame Cecilia: Retreat
Manual.
With God
897
95
""p^E that followeth Me, walketh not in darkness/'
c^ti saith Our Lord (John viii. 12). These are
the words of Christ, by which we are admonished
that we must imitate His Hfe and manners, if we
would be truly enlightened, and delivered from all
blindness of heart.
Let it, then, be our chief study to meditate on the
life of Jesus Christ, — Thomas d Kempis.
96
" *^ ANITY of vanities, and all is vanity" (Eccles. i.
V 2) ; besides loving God and serving Him alone.
This is the highest wisdom, by despising the world
to tend to heavenly kingdoms. It is vanity, there-
fore, to seek after riches which must perish, and to
trust in them. It is vanity also to be ambitious of
honors, and to raise one's self to a high station. It
is vanity to follow the lusts of the flesh, and to desire
that for which thou must afterwards be grievously
punished. It is vanity to wish for a long life, and
to take little care of leading a good life. It is vanity
also to mind this present life, and not to look for-
ward unto those things which are to come. It is
vanity to love that which passeth with all speed,
and not to hasten thither where everlasting joys re-
maineth. — Ibid.
97
RULY vain-glory is an evil plague, a very great
vanity, because it draws us away from true
glory, and robs us of heavenly grace.
All human glory, all temporal honor, all worldly
grandeur, compared to God's eternal glory, is but
vanity and foolishness. — Ibid.
898
With God
98
IF we would really honor Jesus Christ, we must
apply ourselves to know Him, to love Him, and
to follow Him in the practice of every Christian virtue.
What will it avail me, O Jesus, to study and to
know in part Thy supreme greatness, and the most
sublime of Thy mysteries, if I endeavor not to derive
advantage and merit from them, by cherishing Thy
disposition and copying Thy virtues, since, to save
my soul, I must not only know, but practise what
Thou hast taught me by Thy word, and manifested
in Thy life for my imitation — I must know and
practise my reHgion ? This, my Saviour, is the grace
which I now ask of Thee, with a firm hope that Thou
wilt grant my petition. Amen. — Challoner.
99
^^^RUST the past to the mercy of God, the present
to His love, and the future to His providence.
— St. Augustine.
" "It WILL give glory to Thee, O Lord, O King ; and
I will praise Thee, O God, my Saviour.''
"I will give glory to Thy name: for Thou hast
been a helper and protector to me" (Ecclus. li. 1,2).
A TON nobis, Domine, non nobis; sed Nomini Tuo
•^^ da gloriam.^'
^^Not to us J 0 Lord, not to us; but to Thy Name
give glory,^^
100
" ZpEGi scBculorum immortali et invisibili, soli Deo
honor et gloria in scecula scBCulorum. Amen.^^
^^Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the
only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen "
(i Tim. i. 17).
INDEX
A
Act, the Heroic, 262; of spirit-
ual communion, by St, Al-
phonsus Liguori, 206; of
reparation for profane lan-
guage, 457, 575, 596; of de-
votion in honor of the
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
543; of reparation to the
Holy Name of Jesus, 597;
daily, to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, 634; of adoration and
thanksgiving, 638; in honor
of the Blessed Sacrament, 642,
807, 808; of reparation for
the First Friday, 658; of con-
secration and reparation to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
632, 660; of consecration to
Jesus and Mary, 663; of con-
secration to St. Joseph, 749;
of resignation to the will of
God, 794; of consecration to
the Holy Spirit, 797.
Acts, of faith, hope, love, etc.,
137. 138, 141, 142, 148; of the
three theological virtues, 157,
797; of adoration, thanks-,
giving, reparation and love,
in honor of the Most Blessed
Sacrament, 317. 522, 540, 647,
657; of contrition, 391; be-
fore holy communion, 419,
434; after holy communion,
422, 438; of homage to the
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus,
621; in honor of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 626; for a
spiritual communion, 645; in-
dulgenced, of consecration to
the Blessed Virgin Mary, 699.
Agnes, St., Prayer to, 770.
Agony, Prayer for the faithful
in their, 819.
All Souls' Day, Mass for, 216; in-
dulgence to be gained on, 261.
Aloysius, St., prayer of, to the
Blessed Virgin, 328; dedica-
tion of, to Our Lady, 729; de-
vout exercise in honor of, 772;
prayer to, 772.
Alphonsus, St., on prayer, 86,
91, 93, 102; on our creation,
109; on meditation, 118, 120;
on the love of God, 122; act
of spiritual communion of,
206; prayer of, for a visit to
the Blessed Sacrament, 527;
prayer of, for purity, 735;
prayer of, to St. Teresa, 769.
Ambrose, St., on prayer, 104.
America, Society of the Holy
Name in, 558.
Angel Guardian, Prayer to the,
761; novena to the, 761.
Angelus, The, 148.
Anne, St., Prayer to, 763.
Anniversary Mass, 230.
, Anselrn, St., on prayer, 95-
Anthem, Versicle, and Prayer in
' honor of the Immaculate
Mary, 698.
! Anthems, the four great, of the
Blessed Virign Mary, 700.
Anthony, St., Aspirations to.
774; prayer to, 777; indul-
genced responsory in honor
of, 775; the thirteen Paters,
Aves, and Glorias in honor of,
7771 pious practice of the
thirteen Tuesdays' in honor of,
777-
Antiphon, Versicle and Prayer
in honor of the Immaculate
Conception, 733; in honor of
the Archangel Michael, 762.
Apostle of the Holy Eucharist,
Ven. Peter Julian Eymard,
523.
Apostles' Creed, 153.
Apostleship of Prayer, 125;
morning offering of, 128, 141.
900
Index
Aquinas, St. Thomas, 79; in-
vocation of, to the cross, 619;
invocation to, 780; prayer of,
781.
Krt of Being Happy, 831.
Aspirations, 137, 609; to Our
Lady to implore victory over
temptations, 355; to the Holy
Name in reparation for blas-
phemies, 598; to St. Anthony
of Padua, 774.
Augustine, St., Thought from,
56, ii2\ on prayer, 82, 90, 92,
104; petitions of, 447, 531,
532.
B
Barat, Prayers to Blessed Made-
leine Sophie, 531.
Basil, St., on the presence of
God, no.
Beads, The, 70.
Beatitudes, the Eight, 172.
Benediction of the Blessed Sac-
■ rament, 454.
Benedict XIV., Pope, Indul-
gences granted by, for mental
prayer, 121.
Berchmans, St. John, act of
consecration by, 699; pious
practice in honor of, 771.
Bernardine, St., Preaching of,
f on the holy name, 570.
Billiart, Blessed Julia, Litany of,
529; prayers to, 530.
Blasphemies, aspirations to the
holy name in reparation for,
598; ejaculation to be said in
reparation for, 620.
Blessed Sacrament, The Passion
of Our Lord and the, 65; acts
in honor of, 317. 540, 642, 647,
657; Benediction of, 454;
litany of the, 496; devotions
and prayers to Our Lady of
the, 500, 739, 740, 741. 804;
prayers to our divine Lord in
the, 522; prayers for visits to
the, 526, 527; crown or chap-
let of the, 534; recitation of
the Rosary in the presence of
the, 547; prayers to the Holy
Ghost in connection with
visits to the, 648; prayer
Blessed Sacrament {continued)
during a procession of the,
804.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast of
the Seven Sorrows of, 32;
feast of the patronage of, 33;
devotion to the, 69, 682;
month of October dedicated
to the, 70; memorare to the,
143, 433; Mass in honor of,
331; invocations to, 391;
litany of, 484; dedication to,
682, 684; three offerings in
honor of the, 683; prayer of
St. Alphonsus Liguori to the,
683; novena in honor of the
dolors of, 696; indulgenced
acts of consecration to the,
for the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sodality, 699; four great
anthems of the, 700; thirty
days' prayer to the, 720.
Blood, Seven offerings of the
Precious, 618, 620.
Book-mark, St. Teresa's, 156,
615.
Books on Meditation, 118.
Bonaventure, St., on the Pas-
sion, 66; on the presence of
God, III.
Bridegroom and Bride, Mass
for, 377.
Brown Scapular, The, 70.
Burial, Mass on the Day of, 225.
C
Calendar, The, 34.
Canticle of the Seraphim, 513.
Cecilia, Madame, on medita-
tion, 117.
Chaplet of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 534; Indulgenced, of the
Sacred Heart, 682; in honor
of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows,
689.
Choice of a State of Life, Prayer
for divine direction in the,
753.
Christian Family, Indulgenced
prayer for a, 812.
Christmas Day, 670; novena
for, 671; prayer for, 671;
versicles, responses, and pray-
Index
901
Christmas {continued)
ers for, 673; hymns for, 674, ,
Christ, Following of, 117; re-
flections of Bishop Challoner
on, 117.
Chrysostom, St.. on the Passion,
66; on prayer, 82, 86, 88, 96,
115.
Chrysologus, St. Peter, on pray-
er, 95-
Church, Prayers in the liturgy
of the, 8; devotions approved ,
by the, 65, 75; the Command- !
ments of the, 385; prayer to |
the Holy Spirit for the, 521;
prayers for the, and civil
authorities, 756, 795.
Climacus, St. John, on prayer,
88.
Commandments, the ten, 384;
examination on the ten, 384;
the six of the Church, 358;
examination on the six. 389.
Common or Daily Mass for the
Dead, 232.
Communion, Mass for, 356; de-
votions for holy, 415, 434; '
devotions after, 422, 438,
448; prayer to Our Lady after,
432; litany for, 450; prayer
for the increase of daily, 499;
spiritual, 644, 645; prayers to
the Holy Ghost in connection
with, 648; hymn of thanks-
giving after, 743.
Conception, the Immaculate,
Xovena in honor of, 691;
seven Sundays in honor of,
733; antiphon, versicle, and
prayer, in honor of the,
733.
Confession, Devotions for, 382.
Confidence, 135; prayer to Our
Lady, Mother of, 697.
Confiteor, The. 393-
Conscience, Examination of. '
^384. i
Consecration, Act of, to the
Sacred Heart, 632; to Jesus
and Mary. 665; form of, to
the Sacred Heart, 666; to
Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
694.
Continual Prayer, 131.
Contrition, Acts of. 301; con-
siderations to excite true, 389.
Conversation with God, 6.
Corporal works of mercy, 386.
Corpus Christi, feast of, 32, 68;
novena for, 802; pravers for,
808.
Council of Trent, 90.
Crib, Prayer before the, 672.
Cross, Stations of the, 68, 462;
how to carry one's, 135; invo-
cation of St. Thomas Aquinas
to the, 619; indulgence for
making the sign of the, 791.
Crown of Thorns, Feast of, 32.
Crucifix, Indulgenced prayer
before a, 371.
D
Daily Communion, Prayer for
the increase of. 499; helps for
dailv needs — flashlights from
Holy Writ. 847.
Daniel and prayer, 81.
Day, Sanctify the, 48.
Dead, Common, or daily Mass
for the, 232; various prayers
for the, 240, 261; versicle and
responses for the, 261; aspi-
rations for the. 263.
Death. Mass on the day of. 225;
Mass for the anniversary of,
230; prayer for a happy, 616,
726; plenary indulgence at
the hour of. 75S; ejaculations
for a happy, 758; litany and
other prayers for, 814.
Dedication to Mary, 68; of St.
Aloysius, 684, 729.
De Profundis, The, 145.
Devotion, and devotions. 7. 63,
75; to St. Joseph, 8; each
day of the week consecrated
to a special, 57; particular,
for each month. 59; to the
first Friday. 69; to the
Blessed Virgin ^lary, 69;
Italian, to the Madonna, 74;
to the Sacred Heart. 77; to
St. Expeditus. 77: to the
Holy Name of Jesus, 558. 574-
612. 798; to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, 682; Acts of. in
902
Index
Devotions {continued)
honor of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, 626; to Our Lady of
the Most Blessed Sacrament,
740.
Devotions, Forms of, 8, 71; ac-
cording to one's spiritual
taste, 72; to the holy souls in
purgatory, 8; and devotion,
63; approved by the Church,
65; particular, 72; multiply-
ing of, 72; not bound to prac-
tise all, 76; resistance to new,
77; and temporal favors, 78;
for confession, 382; in honor
of the Holv Trinity, 512; to
the Holy Ghost, 648; for the
month of May, 723; in honor
of St. Joseph, 744, 746; for
the month of March, 748; in
honor of St. Francis of Assisi,
778.
Devout Exercise of the six Sun-
days in honor of St. Aloysius
Gonzaga, 772.
Direction, Prayer for divine, 753.
Divine Praises, The, 457, 596.
Divine Providence, Prayer to
Our Lady, Mother of, 687.
Dolors, Pious Exercise in Honor
of Our Lady of, 693, 73 1;
novena in honor of Our Lady
of, 696.
Dominicans, The, and the Holy
Name Society, 571.
Dominic, St., Prayers to, 614.
Easter, Novena for, 677; hymns
for, 679.
Efficacy of prayer, 83 ; proofs of
from Holp Writ, 83.
Ejaculations, 139, 140, 142, 144,
206, 281, 289, 3i4» 329, 332,
395, 546, 688, 728, 800; in-
dulgenced, 98, 790, 795; ^in
times of temptation, 99; in-
dulgenced for the Holy Souls,
140; to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, 634; to Our Lady, 637;
in honor of the Immaculate
Conception, 735; for a happy
death, 758; of St. Jerome
Emiliani, 799.
Ejaculation to the Mother of
Mercy, 726; of resignation to
the will of God, 823.
Ejaculatory prayers, 124; to
St. Joseph to obtain a good
death, 330; in honor of our
crucified Saviour, 619; in
reparation for blasphemies,
620; of Blessed Margaret
Mary to the Sacred Heart,
637.
Eleven Novenas in honor of Our
Lady, 726.
Eternity, St. Eucherius on, 109.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, In-
dulgenced acts of devotion in
honor of, 543; acts of homage
to the, 621.
Eucharistic Hymn of St. Thom.-
as Aquinas, 533-
Eucharistic Rosary, The, 547.
Eucherius, St. on Eternity, 9.
Evening Prayers, 141.
Examination of Conscience, 384;
on the Ten Commandments,
387; on the Precepts of the
Church, 389.
Exercise, Pious, in honor of Our
Lady of Dolors, 693; on
Fridays, 740.
Eymard, Pere, on Holy Com-
munion, 415; the apostle of
the Holy Eucharist, 523.
Faithful Departed, Indulgenced
prayers for the, 256.
Faith, Prayer for the Propaga-
tion of, 352, 662.
Fasting-days, 32.
Fathers, The, on prayer, 92,
Feast of Pentecost, Novena in
preparation for the, 519; pray-
er for, 520.
Feasts, Table of Movable, 30;
of special devotion and their
days of observance, 32.
Five Sundays in honor of the
sacred Stigmata, 778.
Five Wounds, Feast of, 32.
Flashlights from Holy Writ —
daily helps for daily needs,
847.
Following of Christ, 117; re-
Following of Christ (continued)
flections of Bishop Challoner
on, 117.
Form of Consecration to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, 666.
Forms of Devotion, 8, 71.
Forty Hours, Visit during, the
805.
Four Great Anthems of the
Blessed Virgin MarA', 700.
Four Great Ends of Mass, 160.
Francis of Assisi, St., Devotion
of the Five Sunday's in honor
of the Sacred Stigmata of,
778; prayer in honor of, 779;
prayer for the feast of, 779;
novena to, 779.
Francis of Sales, St., on medita-
tation, 117; on the love of
God, 122; act of consecration
of, 699.
Francis Xavier, St., Xovena of
grace in honor of, 764; prayer
to, 765, 766; prayer of, for
the conversion of infidels,
766; Hymn of love of, 767.
Frequent use of indulgenced
ejaculations, 10.
Friday, Devotion to the first,
69; act of reparation for the
first, 658.
Fridays, Pious exercise on, 740.
Fruit of the Mysteries of the
Holy Rosary, 708.
G
Gabriel. St., Prayer to the Arch-
angel, 763-
Garden of Olives, 89.
Gems of the months with their
significance, 61.
Girardey, Father, on medita-
tion, 120.
Gloria Patri, Indulgences for
saying the, 790.
God, Prayer a conversation
with, 6; the Ten Command-
ments of, 384; litany of the
love of, 509; the love of, for
us, 524.
Good Counsel, Praver, to Our
Lady of, 685.
Good Work, Prayer before any,
156.
ex 903
Gospel, Indulgences for reading,
156.
Grace, before and after meals,
147; Xovena of, in honor of
St. Francis Xavier, 764.
Graces we should pray for, 102.
Gregory of Xazianzen, St., on
prayer, 104.
Gregory the Great, St., on
prayer, 95.
Grou, S.J., Father, on How to
Pray, 131.
H
Hail Mary, The, 153.
Happiness, How to secure it,
840.
Help of Christians, Prayer to
Our Lady, 737.
History of the Holy Xame
Society in America, 561.
Holy Communion, Devotions
for, 415; short acts and pray-
ers for, 419, 434; acts and
prayers after, 422, 438, 448;
prayer to Our Lady after,
432; litany for, 450.
Holy Eucharist, Prayer to Jesus
in the, 656.
Holv Familv, Prayer in honor of,
288, 799, 813.
Holy Ghost, Prayer to the, 154,
303, 521; litany of, 507; in-
dulgenced prayer to the, 509;
hymn and sequence to the,
515; versicle, response, and
prayer to the, 518; novena to
the, for the Feast of Pente-
cost, 519; prayer to, for the
Church. 521; prayer to, in
connection with visits to the
Blessed Sacrament, 648 .
Holy Hour, devotions for, 422;
offering of the, 524; prayer
for the, 529-
. Holy Xame of Jesus, Feast of
i the, 32; litany of the, 479;
' devotion to the, 558, 574. 612,
798; Society of, in America,
558, 561, 566; worship of the,
569; St. Bernardine on the,
570; Society of the, and the
Dominicans, 571; novena in
j honor of the, 573 ; indulgences
904
Index
Holy Name {continued)
granted invoking the, 574; i
acts of reparation for bias- ,
phemies uttered against, 575, i
597; prayer in honor of the
most adorable, 577; little
office of the, 579; hymns and
psalms in honor of the, 586,
610; aspirations to the, 598;
invocation of the, 798.
Holy Name of Mary, Feast of,
33.
Holy Rosary, Feast of the, 33;
for October, 707; mysteries
of the, 708 ; prayer to Our
Lady of the, 709.
Holy Souls in Purgatory, devo-
tions to the, 8, 10, 789; indul-
genced versicles for the, 140;
Mass for the, 216; indul-
genced prayers for, 256; nine
or seven days' prayer for, 258;
month of November and the,
259; prayers in commemora-
tion of the Passion of Our
Lord for the, 359; indulgences!
to be gained on All Souls' Day |
for, 261; petition for the, 656.
Holy Thursday and Corpus
Christi, Indulgences for pray-
ers on, 808.
Holy Trinity, Three offerings of
thanksgiving to the, 308; [
litany of the, 504; devotions !
to, 512; canticle of the sera-
phim to, 513; prayer for Sun-
day to the, 513; aspirations
to the, 514; invocations in
honor of the, 791; prayer of
the, 792.
Holy Writ, Flashlights from,
847.
Hymns and Psalms in honor of
the Most Holy Name of
Jesus, 586.
Hymns:
"O Jesus, Jesus, dearest
Lord," 62.
All for Thee, O Heart of Jesus,
.136.
Dies iras, dies ilia, 218.
Tantum Ergo, 319, 455, 640.
"Hail to Thee, True Body,
Sprung," 335-
[ymns {continued)
"O See Upon the Altar
Placed," 345.
Jesus, Gentlest Saviour, 372.
Jesus, Master, Teach Me, 428.
Jesus, Hidden God, I Cry to
Thee, 437.
Peace with Jesus, 453.
O Salutaris Hostia, 455.
Te Deum Laudamus, 458.
Stabat Mater, 475.
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator,
Come, 515.
Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,
516.
"Forget-me-not."
"O Hidden God, devoutly I
adore Thee! "
Jesu, dulcis memorial 587/
Jesu, Rex Admirabilis, 594.
To the Holy Name of Jesus,
610.
All for Jesus, 611.
To the Sacred Heart, 668.
Alone with God, 669.
Adeste Fideles, 674, 675.
Christmas Carol: Angels we
have heard on high, 676.
Victimae Paschali Laudes, 678.
' * Ye Sons and Daughters of
the Lord," 679.
"The Dawn was Purpling,"
681.
"Now at the Lamb's High
Royal Feast," 681.
Ave, Maris Stella, 695.
Alma Redemptoris, 701.
Ave Regina Coelorum, 703.
Regina Coeli, 704.
Salve Regina, 705.
Of thanksgiving after Holy
Communion, 743.
"My Elect shall not labor in
vain," 759.
St. Francis Xavier's Hymn of
Love, 767.
The Need of the Sacred
Heart, 768.
Da Mihi Animas, 769-
Hymn for the Confraternity
of the Bona Mors, 825.
"When the Journey of Life is
O'er," 861.
Just for To-day, 862.
Index
905
Hymns (contimied)
Jesu, Decus Angelicum, 863.
Lead, Kindlv Light, 864.
Angels, 865.
To the Guardian Angel, 865.
"O Paradise 1 O Paradise 1"
866.
Holy God, we Praise Thy
Name, 867.
I
Ignatius, St., on meditation, 116;
offering and prayer of, 305-
Immaculate Conception, Xove-
na in honor of the, 691; little
office of the, 710; seven Sun-
days in honor of the, 733;
antiphon, versicle and prayer
in honor of the, 733; ejacula-
tions and invocations in
honor of, 735.
Immaculate Heart of Mary,
chaplet in honor of, 689;
prayer in honor of the, 698.
Indulgenced acts and prayers,
use of, 788; offering to be
made during Mass, 183; for
the faithful departed, 256;
mode of assisting at Mass by
means of, 289; before a cru-
cifix, 371; to Our Lady, 739;
of devotion in honor of the
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus,
543; in honor of the Blessed
Sacrament, 647, 657; of
adoration and thanksgiving,
638 ; of consecration for mem.-
bers of the Blessed Virgin
Sodality, 699; to St. Joseph,
752; responsory in honor of
St. Anthony, 775; prayer to
the Holy Trinity, 792; for
peace, 792; offering to the
Eternal Father, 793; for
fidelity and conformity to the
divine will, 793, 823; for the
Supreme Pontiff. 793; of
resignation, 794; for the
Church. 795; for the Propa-
gation of the Faith, 796; of
consecration to the Holy
Spirit. 797; of the three theo-
logical virtues, 797; ''O Most
Compassionate Jesus," 798;
' Indulgenced Prayers (continued)
i of the love of God, 799; in
honor ^of the Holy Family,
799; for the conversion of
sinners, 800; to Jesus in the
tabernacle, 801; novena for
Corpus Christi, 802 ; O dulcis-
sime Jesu, 803; to Our Lady
of the Blessed Sacrament, 804;
during a procession of the
Blessed Sacrament, 804; of
reparation, 807, 808; for a
Christian family, 812; to the
Holy Family, 813; litany- for
a happy death, 814; for the
faithful in their agony, 819;
for a happA' death, 820; for
one deceased, 827; to the
Sacred Heart, 828.
Indulgenced ejaculations, 98,
139, 140, 434, 800, 801, 802,
805, 807, 808, 821; frequent
use of, 10; in times of tempta-
tion, 99; for the holv souls,
140.
Indulgences, 787; attached to
the Stations of the Cross, 68;
granted by Pope Benedict
XIV for mental prayer, 121;
for reading the holy Gospel,
156; granted for invoking the
holy name of Jesus, 574; for
a novena for Christmas, 671;
for March devotions, 748;
for saying the Glory be to the
Father, 790; for making the
sign of the cross, 791; for
thanksgiving on >sew Year's
eve, 791; for invocation in
honor of the Holy Trinity,
791; for the ]'eni, Sancte
Spiritus, 796; for devotion to
the Holy Xame, 798; for a
visit to the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 801, 805; for; seven
offerings in honor of the
Precious Blood, 809, 811; for
one hour's prayer on Holy
Thursday, Corpus Christi,
and other Thursdays, 808.
Invocations, 391, 619, 730, 780,
791.
Ireland, traditional devotion of,
69.
9o6
Index
Isidore, St., and prayer, 8i.
Italian devotion to the Madonna,
74.
J !
Jesus, prayer to the Most |
Sacred Heart of, 311; Htany j
of the Most Holy Name of, i
479; litany of the Sacred
Heart of, 482; indulgenced
acts of devotion in honor of,
543, 660; devotion to the
Holy Name of, 558, 569, 574,
577, 587, 597, 598, 612, 613;
novena in honor of the Holy
Name of, 573; act of repara-
tion for blasphemies against,
575, 597; little office of the
Holy Name of, 579; prayer to
the wounds of, 677; Psalter
of, 599; daily oblation to,
611; prayer for greater love
of, 616; prayer to, for a holy
life and happy death, 616;
seven offerings of the precious
blood of, 618; acts of devo-
tion in honor of the Sacred
Heart of, 626, 634; novena to
the Sacred Heart of, 631;
petitions to, in the tabernacle,
654, 656.
Joachim. St., prayers to, 638,
764.
Joseph, St., devotion to, 7, 744;
feast of patronage of, 32; and
prayer, 81; prayer to, for all
those devoted to labor, 299;
invocations to, 330; prayer
to, to obtain a good death,
330; litany of, 487; novena
in honor of, 744; prayer to,
for the October devotions,
745, 746; prayers to, for those
in their agony, 748.
Joys of Mary, prayer in honor
of the, 732.
June, Month of, 620.
L
Labor, Prayer to St. Joseph for
all those devoted to, 750.
Last Supper, Our Lord at, 89.
League of the Sacred Heart,
126; morning offering, of, 128.
Life, A Rule of, 829.
Light, Prayer to Our Lady of,
. ^95.
Litanies for holy communion,
450; of the most Holy Name
of Jesus 479; of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 482; of the
Blessed Virgin, 484; of St.
Joseph, 487; of the Saints,
489; of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 496; of the Passion,
500; of the Most Holy
Trinity, 504; of the Holy
Ghost, 507; of the love of
God, 509; of Blessed Julia
Billiart, 529; and other pray-
ers for a happy death, 814.
Little Office of the Most Holy
Name of Jesus, 579; of the
Immaculate Conception, 710.
Liturgy of the Church, Prayers
contained in the, 8.
"Lives of the Saints," 48, 49.
Lord's Prayer, The, 153.
Lourdes, Prayer to Our Lady of,
729.
Low Mass, Prayers to be said
after every, 213.
Madonna, Italian devotion to
the, 74.
Magnificat, The, 736.
March, Devotions for, 748.
Margaret Mary, Blessed, Act of
consecration of, 632.
Mary {see under Blessed Virgin
Mary.)
Masses for the Dead, 214.
Mass, Prayers in verse for, 54;
holy sacrifice of the, 160; ordi-
nary of, 161; indulgenced
offering to be made during,
183; of All Souls' Day, 216;
on the day of death or day of
burial, 225; on the anniver-
sary of death, 230; common
or daily, for the dead, 232;
in union with the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, 266; mode of
assisting at by means of in-
dulgenced prayers, 289; in
honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, 331; for communion
Index
907
Mass {continued)
days, 356; Marriage service
and, 374. 377.
Maxims and Counsels of Saints
and Spiritual Writers, 870.
May, devotions for the month
of, 723, 724.
Meditation, 107, 112; on the
Rosary, 100; and the soul,
114; the road to perfection,
116; Father Wilberforce on,
116; Madame Cecilia on, 117;
St. Francis of Sales on, 117;
St. Alphonsus on, 118; books
on, 118; St. Teresa on, 119;
Father Girardey on, 120;
preparation for, 122; prayers
for, 123.
Memorare, The, 143, 433-
Mental Prayer, 107; easy, 5;
vocal prayer, distinct from,
98; how to practise, 116;
indulgence granted by Pope
Benedict XIV. for, 121.
Mercv, the Seven Corporal
Works of, 386.
Michael, St., x\ntiphon to, 762.
Month, Sanctifying the, 59;
particular devotion for each,
59; particular virtue for each,
60; of October devoted to
the Blessed Virgin Mary, 70;
of November devoted to the
holy souls, 259; of June, 620;
of May, 723, 724; of Septem-
ber, 731; of March, 748.
Months, Gems of the, with
their significance, 61.
Morning Prayers, 137.
Moses and Prayer. 81.
Movable Feasts, Table of, 30.
Mysteries of the Holy Rosary,
708.
N
November, Devotions for the
month of, 259.
Novena in preparation for the
Feast of Pentecost, 519; in
honor of the Holy Name of
Jesus, 573; to the Sacred
Heart, 631; for Christmas,
671; for Easter, 677; to Our
Lady of Perpetual Help, 685;
Novenas {continued)
to Our Lady of Sorrows, 689;
in honor of the Immaculate
Conception, 691; in honor of
the Dolors of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, 696; in honor
of the Blessed Virgin for
any festival and for any
special occasion, 727; in
honor of St. Joseph, 744;
prayer for, to St. Joseph, 748;
in honor of the guardian
angel, 761; of grace in honor
of St. Francis Xavier, 764;
to St. Francis of Assisi, 779;
to St. Philomena, 781; prayer
for, 785; for Corpus Christi,
^ 802.
Novenas, Eleven, in honor of
Our Lady, 726.
O
October Rosary, The, 707; de-
votions and prayers to St.
Joseph for the month of, 744.
Offering and Prayer of St.
Ignatius Loyola, 305; of the
Holy Hour, 524.
Offerings, Seven, of the Precious
Blood, 618; Three, of thanks-
giving to the Most Holy
Trinity, 308.
Office, Little, of the Holy Name
of Jesus, 579; of the Immacu-
late Conception, 710.
Olives, Garden of, 89.
One Little Secret of a Happy
Life, 863.
Ordinary of the Mass, 161.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Novena to, 685; prayer and
consecration to, 694; eleven
novenas in honor of, 726; of
Lourdes, prayer to, 729; of
dolors, pious exercise in honor
of, 731; indulgenced prayers
* to, 739; of the Blessed Sac-
rament, 740.
P
Paschal, Baylon St., the patron
saint of Eucharistic works,
523.
9o8
Index
Passion of Our Lord, Feast of
the, 32; and the Blessed Sac-
rament, 65; St. Chrysostom
and St. Bonaventure on the,
66; prayers in commemora-
tion of, for the holy souls, 259;
litany of the, 500; prayer in
honor of, 617.
Patronage of St. Joseph, Feast
of the, 32; of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, 33.
Peace, Prayer for, 792.
Pentecost, Novena in prepara-
tion for, 519; prayer for, 520.
Pere Eymard on holy commu-
nion, 415.
Perpetual Help, Novena to Our
Lady of, 685; prayer and
consecration to, 694.
Perseverance, Prayer necessary
to obtain final, 90.
Petitions of St. Augustine, 447,
531, 532; thirty-three, in
honor of the Sacred Human-
ity of Our Lord, 576; to Jesus
in the tabernacle, 654.
Philomena, St., novena to, 781,
78s.
Pious exercise in honor of Our
Lady of Dolors, 693, 731; on
Fridays, 740.
Pious practice in honor of St.
John Berchmans, 771; in
honor of St. Aloysius, 772.
Pledge, Temperance, 757.
Pray, Every one can, 81; Fa-
ther Grou, S.J., on how to,
131; in secret, 134.
Prayer, Mental, s; mental dis-
tinct from vocal, 98; a con-
versation with God, 6: vocal,
10, 80; grace of, 80; Holy
Scriptures prove efficacy of,
83; almighty, 85; St. Augus-
tine on, 82, 86; St. Alphonsus
on, 86, 102; necessary to sal-
vation, 87, 90; three reasons
why not granted, 92; neces-
sary qualities of a good, 94;
continual, 131; for Sunday to
the Blessed Trinity, 513; of
the Holy Trinity, 792; the
Lord's, 153; to the Holy
Ghost, 154, 303, 509, 521; for
Prayers {continued)
the feast of Pentecost, 520 j
indulgenced, to be said at thJ
beginning of Mass, 215; by"
which all Masses are offered ,
to God, 268; after holy com-
munion, 432; for the increase
of daily communion, 499; for
a visit to the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 526, 527, 666; for the
holy hour, 529; to Jesus in the
Holy Eucharist, 656; to
Jesus in the tabernacle, 801;
Apostleship of, 125; morning
offering of Apostleship of, 128,
141; to the Sacred Heart,
311, 828; in honor of the
adorable name of Jesus, 577.
613; for the love of Jesus, 616;
to the glorious wounds of
Jesus risen, 677; "O Jesus,
Living in Mary," 432; "Soul
of Christ," 208, 323, 369, 431;
in commemoration of the
sufferings and death of Our
Lord, 312, 617; before a cru-
cifix, 371; "O Most Compas-
sionate Jesus," 798; for ;
fidelity and conformity to the
will of God, 793; for the love
of God, 799; The Memorare,
143, 433; of St. Alphonsus
Liguori, 145, 683, 735; the
Angelus, 148; Regina Coeli,
149; Salve Regina, 151; Sub
Tuum Praesidium, 152; to
the Blessed Virgin, by St.
Aloysius Gonzaga, 328; to
Mary, Help of Christians, 373.
737; to Our Lady of the
Blessed Sacrament, 500, 741;
to Our Lady of Good Counsel,
686; to Our Lady of Divine
Providence, 687; and conse-
cration to Our Lady of Per-
petual Help, 694; to Our Lady,
Mother of Confidence, 694;
to Our Lady of Light, 695;
to Our Lady of Sorrows, 696;
in honor of the Immaculate
Mary, 698; to Our Lady of
the Rosary, 709; thirty days'
prayer to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, 720; for the month of
Index
909
Prayers (conthtued)
May, 724; to the Mother of
the "incarnate Word, 725; to
Mary, for a good death, 726;
to Our Lady of Lourdes, 729;
to St. Joseph for all those de-
voted to labor, 299, 75o; to
St. Joseph for the October
devotions, 745, 74^; prayer
for a novena to St. Joseph,
748; indulgenced, in honor of
St. Joseph, 749; to St. Joseph
in any great necessity, 751;
indulgenced, to St. Joseph,
752; to St. Joseph, Patron of
the universal Church, 752; in
honor of the Holy Family,
288, 799, 813; the De Pro-
fundis, 145; for the Dead,
261; for one deceased, 827;
for the Sovereign Pontiff, 758,
793; to the Angel Guardian,
761; to St. Raphael, 762; to
St. Gabriel, 763; to St. Anne,
763; to St. Joachim, 764; to
St. Francis Xavier, 765, 766;
for the Feast of St. Francis of
Assisi, 779; of St. Alphonsus
to vSt. Teresa, 769; to St.
Agnes, 770; to St. Aloysius,
772; to St. Stanislaus Kostka,
773; to St. Anthony, 777; of
St. Thomas Aquinas, 155, 781;
of St. Ignatius Loyola, 305,
369; for the Church, 521, 795;
for the propagation of the
faith, 794; for a happy death,
616; for Christmas, 671; be-
fore the crib, 672; before any
good work, 156; for divine
direction in the choice of a
state of life, 753; for certain
afflicted persons, 759; for one
sick, 826; for peace, 792; for
fervor, 616; for the conversion
of sinners, 800; for a Chris-
tian family, 812; the uni-
versal, 761.
Prayers, contained in the liturgy
of the Church, 8 ; in verse, 53 ;
indulgenced, 98; or medita-
„ tion, 123; ejaculatory (see
under Ejaculatory Prayers):
morning, 137; evening, 141;
Prayers {continued)
during the day, 147; after
every low Mass, 213; assisting
at Mass by means of indul-
genced, 289; to the Holy
Ghost, in connection with
visits to the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 648; in commemoration
of the Passion of Our Lord for
the poor souls, 259; before
holy communion, 419; after
holy communion, 422; va-
rious, for the dead, 240; in-
dulgenced, for the faithful de-
parted, 256; for nine or seven
days, 258; in honor of St.
Joseph for those in their
agony, 748; for the Propaga-
tion of the Faith, 315, 662;
to St. Dominic, 615; to
Blessed Julia BilUart, 530; to
Blessed Madeleine Sophie
Rarat, 531; for the Church
and civil authorities, 756; for
travelers, 754-
Precepts of the Church, Exami-
nation of Conscience on, 389.
Precious Blood, Seven offerings
of the, 619, 809; oblation and
thanksgiving in honor of the,
811.
Priests, A prayer for, 613.
Psalms, The, their threefold
claim to our veneration, 50;
the Seven Penitential, 398;
excellent spiritual reading,
414; in honor of the most
Holy Name of Jesus, 586.
Psalter of Jesus, The, 599-
Purgatory, Devotions to the
Holy Souls in, 8, 106, 789;
petitions to the Holy Souls in,
656.
R
Raphael, St., Prayer to the
Archangel. 762.
Reading, Spiritual, 50, 52.
Reflections, 818; of Bishop
Challoner on the Following of
Christ, 117; after holy com-
munion, 448.
Regina Coeli, The, 149.
9IO
Index
Reparation for Profane Lan-
guage, act of, 457, 596; to the
Holy Name, 597; ejaculation
to be said in, 620; acts of, in
honor of the Blessed Sacra-
ment, 642; for blasphemy
against Our Lady, 729.
Rickaby, S.J., Father, on the
morning offering of the Apos-
tleship of Prayer, 128.
Ritual for the Celebration of
Matrimony, 374.
Rosary, 100; Feast of the Holy,
33; meditation on, 100; the
Eucharistic, 547; the Octo-
ber, 707; mysteries of the,
708; prayer to Our Lad^^ of
the, 709.
Rule of Life, A, 829.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Feast of,
33, 68; devotion to, 77;
league of the, 126; Mass in
union with the 266; prayer
to the most, 311, 828; litany
of, 482; act of reparation in
honor of the, 658, 660; con-
secration to, 632, 660, 666;
indulgenced chaplet of the,
663; acts of devotion in
honor of the, 626; novena to
the, 631; daily act of oblation
to the, 634; ejaculations to
the, 634-
Sacrifice of the Mass, Holy, 160.
Saints, Lives of the, 48, 49;
litany of the, 489.
Salvation, Prayer necessary to,
87-
Salve Regina, The, 151.
Sanctification of the day, the
week, the month, .48.
Secret, Prayer in, I34-
Secret of a happy life, 863.
September, Month of, 73i-
Seraphim, Canticle of the, 513.
Seven Penitential Psalms, 398;
deadly sins and opposite vir-
tues, 385; spiritual and corpo-
ral works of mercy, 386; Sun-
days in honor of the Immacu-
late Conception, 733; offer-
Seven {continued)
ings in honor of the Precious
Blood, 618, 809.
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, feast of, 32;
chaplet in honor of the, 689;
novena to, 689; Visit to Our
Lady of, 732; prayer in honoi
of, 696, 732.
Sign of the Cross, indulgences
for making the, 791.
Sin, nine ways of being accessor>
to another's, 386.
Six Commandments of the
Church, The, 385; Sunday^^
in honor of St. Aloysius, 772.
Sodality of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, Indulgenced acts of
consecration for, 699.
Soul, The, and Meditation, 114
Sovereign Pontiff. Prayer fo-
the, 758, 793.
Spear and Nails, Feast of the,
32.
Spirit, Prayer to the Holy, 303.
Spiritual Communion, 644, 645.
Spiritual Reading, 50, 52; the
Psalms excellent, 414.
Stabat Mater, The, 475.
Stanislaus Kostka, St., Death of,
773; prayer to, 773.
Stations of the Cross, The, In-
dulgences attached to, 68 ,
462.
Sub Tuum Praesidium, 152.
T
Tabernacle, Petitions to Jesu,
in the, 654.
Table of Movable Feasts, 30.
Te Deum Laudamus, 458.
Temperance Pledge, The, 757-
Temporal favors, and devotions,
78; and prayer, 92.
Temptation. Prayer in time ot,
88. . ^ J
Ten Commandments of Uod,
385.
Teresa, St., on prayer, 80; on
sin, 110; on meditation, 119;
book-mark of, 156, 615;
prayer of St. Alphonsus to,
769. . „
TertuUian, Testimony of, 81.
II.
Index
911
Thanksgiving, on New Year's
eve, 791; to the most Holy
Trinity, 308; of St. Thomas
Aquinas, 372.
Theological virtues, acts of the
three, 157.
Thirteen Paters, Aves, and
Glorias in honor of St. An-
thony of Padua, 777; Tues-
days jn honor of St. Anthony
of Padua, 777-
Thirty Days' Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 720.
Thirty-three Petitions in honor
of the Sacred Humanity of
Our Lord, 576.
Thomas, St., on prayer, 88;
prayer of, 155; thanksgiving
of, 372; Eucharistic hymn of,
533; invocation of, to the
Cross, 619.
Thoughts from St. Augustine,
56.
Three offerings in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, 683;
invocations, 730.
Three reasons why prayers are
not granted, 92.
Thursday, Indulgences for one
hour's prayer on, 808.
Traditional devotion of Ireland,
69.
Travelers, Prayers for, 754.
Trent, Council of, 90.
Trinity, Litany of the most
Holy, 504; devotions in
honor of, 512.
U
L^niversal Church, Prayer to St.
Joseph, Patron of the, 752.
Universal Prayer for all things
necessary for salvation, 760.
Use of Indulgenced Prayers, 788.
Various Prayers for the Dead,
240, 256.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, 796
Verse, Prayers in, 53, 54, 55, 56.
Versicle, Indulgenced, for the
holy souls, 140, 261; re-
sponse, and prayer to the
Holy Ghost, 518; for Christ-
mas, 673; to the Immaculate
Mary, 698.
Virtue, Particular for each
month, 60.
Virtues, Acts of the three theo-
logical, 157.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament,
Prayer for, 526, 666; prayer
to the Holy Ghost in connec-
tion with, 648; to Our Lady
of Sorrows during, 732, 801;
during the forty hours, 805;
to the Holy Sepulcher on
Holy Thursday and Good
Friday, 809.
W
Way of the Cross, The, 462.
Week, Sanctifying the, 57; each
day of the, consecrated to a
special devotion, 57.
Wilberforce, Father, on medita-
tion, 116.
With God, Maxims and Coun-
sels of Saints and Spiritual
Writers, 870.
Words and Deeds, 53.
Wounds of Jesus, Praver to the,
677.
PRINTED BY^ENZIGER BROTHERS, NEW YORK.
WOV 27 191 1
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS |^
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